* From guest blogger, Arden.*
One argument that supports Ethical Vegetarianism is made on the
behalf of animal welfare. Two
premises of this argument assert that animal
agriculture results in large amounts of suffering, and because we ought not
cause suffering to others for no apparent reason, we ought to adopt a non-meat
diet.
This argument is primarily based
on how animals are standardly treated in large-scale farming operations,
especially concentrated feed operations (CAFOS), and emphasizes the empirical
claim that animals are sentient creatures that have the capacity to suffer and
feel pain. This claim is supported by evidence obtained through physiological
and behavioral science, as well as evolutionary biology, that justifies that
animals have the same underlying physiology- e.g the neurological system- and
express the same behaviors as humans when they are in situations that cause
pain. Sandler discusses how animals in CAFOS are deemed and treated as parts of
an industrial process to produce the most meat possible for the lowest cost
possible. These practices along with the high concentration of animals, results
in animal suffering.
Causing such large amounts of
animal suffering for no apparent reason is not morally permissible. Animals
are not choosing to suffer in the
same ways in which we do by going to the dentist or getting flu shots. They
have no choice in the matter, and
rendered to an unnecessary amount of suffering under the oppressive
environmental conditions that are created by concentrated feeding operations.
Humans are the only individuals who benefit from animal agriculture. I believe
that we ought to not eat meat, especially not any that is produced by an
industrialized farm, considering the amount of suffering it causes for mere
pleasure of consumption.
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