Vegetarianism: A Guide for the Perplexed

(Paperback)

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The choice of whether or not to consume animals is more than merely a dietary one. It frequently reflects deep ethical commitments or religious convictions that serve as the bedrock of an entire lifestyle. Proponents of vegetarianism frequently infuriate nonvegetarians, who feel that they're being morally condemned because of what they choose to eat. Vegetarians are frequently infuriated by what they consider to be the nonvegetarians' disregard for the environment and animal-suffering. Vegetarianism: A Guide for the Perplexed offers a much needed survey of the different arguments offered by ethical vegetarians and their critics. In a rigorous but accessible manner, the author scrutinizes the strengths and weaknesses of arguments in defense of vegetarianism based on compassion, rights, interests, eco-feminism, environmentalism, anthrocentrism, and religion. Authors examined include Peter Singer, Tom Regan, Carol J. Adams, and Kathryn Paxton George. As the global climate crisis worsens, population increases, and fossil fuels disappear, ethical and public policy questions about the ethics of diet will become ever more urgent. This book is a useful resource for thinking through the questions.

Reviews

"Written in an accessible, reader-friendly style, Kerry Walters's new book is far and away the most comprehensive exploration of the ethical dimensions of vegetarianism." -- Tom Regan, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, North Carolina State University, USA, and author of The Case for Animal Rights and Empty Cages: Facing the Challenge of Animal Rights.
"Many people are indeed perplexed' by vegetarianism. This book is the answer. Kerry Walters does a splendid job of explaining all the major approaches to vegetarianism in a way that is comprehensive, fair, and thoughtful. Those new to vegetarianism will find no better guide. Even those who have followed these debates for decades will learn from Walters' approach. Strongly recommended." -- Deane Curtin, Professor and Chair, Department of Philosophy, Gustavus Adolphus College, USA, and author of Environmental Ethics for a Postcolonial World
Vegetarianism...sums up the different viewpoints and ethical discussions clearly and concisely... It is a guide for those who are new to the debate and want a clear overview of the arguments... It is a good read for students in need of an understanding of the debate surrounding vegetarianism, and especially animal rights, and given its elaborate bibliography it can also function as a book of reference. Equally, given its accessible language and readability, it is also interesting for a wider audience. -- Kristien Hens, Maastricht University * Ethical Perspectives *
The book...offers a short, readable and handy presentation of major strategies of defense of ethical vegetarianism. The style is clear... I warmly recommend this book. -- Christophe Al-Saleh * Metapsychology *

Author Bio

Kerry Walters is William Bittinger Professor of Philosophy at Gettysburg College, PA, USA, where he also co-founded the Peace and Justice Studies program.