Frequently asked questions – ethics

The original answer argues that a practice is not morally justified merely because it has existed for a long time.

The original answer argues that cultural traditions can include practices later recognised as wrong.

The original answer argues that moral truth is not determined by majority opinion and cites historical examples.

The original answer distinguishes legal rules from moral principles.

The author argues that eating meat is wrong when survival does not require it and the reward is brief pleasure.

The original answer encourages gradual change and describes meat substitutes available at the time it was written.

The author describes cases where a vegetarian diet is not possible and explains a personal ethical view.

The original answer says farmed animal populations would decline as demand for breeding and slaughter fell.

The original answer says that buying meat still contributes to future demand for animals raised and killed.

The original answer compares a shift away from animal farming with other industries that declined.