Any Vegetarians/Vegans here?

[bennyboy]

The question of vegetarianism is really about moral philosophy: on what basis do we take a moral position? If we believe that some should be extended liberties or securities on principle, then on what principle to we exclude others? Age? Race? Socioeconomic status? Species?

Species.

I note the complete absence of an argument in your reply. Asserting that meat eating is morally in the same ballpark as slavery is asserting a moral claim. Unfortunately, you didn't back it with anything. That which can be asserted without evidence support, can be dismissed without evidence support. If you want to step up to the plate and defend your moral claim, do so. Otherwise it's worthless, and I'm fully justified in assuming eating meat has no inherent moral dimension.

Species? But why not just stop at gender? Or race?

The fact is that we are ALL holier-than-thou in reference to those who accept conditions we do not. "Pedophilia wrong, you say? Don't tread on me! Who do you think you are to tell me how to live, or to pretend you're better than me because you choose not to live my way? Slavery is bad? Nah-- black people just aren't as capable as the rest of us, and anyway they don't REALLY suffer, because they don't have souls. Women should get the vote? Puhleeze. They are hysterical by nature, and should be kept barefoot and pregnant, well-hidden from the public eye." In each of these cases, an ignorant attribution projected on the victims served as a (totally trumped-up) justification for the abuses they faced. And challenges to any of these absues would have been met with the same "Who died and made YOU God to tell me what is right or wrong? On what grounds do YOU get to act so holier-than-thou?" or "Don't blame us for the advantages nature has given (adults/men/white people/straight people)" or "The necessity justifies the action."

NO activity has an "inherent moral dimension." But that doesn't mean those who see inequity in the status quo shouldn't challenge it. And so far, it has been the trend of civilized society to EXTEND that umbrella of protection to be more inclusive, rather than refusing to.