Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question

Should you go vegan?

Should you adopt a vegan diet? This entry maps the debate over going vegan, setting out the opposing positions that eating animal products is ethical, and that it is unethical — weighing health, environment and animal welfare.

Position 1 of 2
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Eating animal products is ethical

This position holds that eating animal products is ethical. Its arguments draw on religious traditions in which animals serve humans, on the claim that people are natural omnivores who need meat, on meat's place in culture and ritual, and on humanity's role in the food chain.

Position 2 of 2
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Eating animal products is unethical

This position holds that eating animal products is unethical. It argues that animals should not be killed merely for food, that meat production inflicts cruelty, devastates the environment, exploits migrant workers, harms human health, and diverts resources that could ease world hunger.