Vegetarianism: A Guide for the Perplexed / Edition 1

by Kerry Walters

Overview

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. Â

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781441115294
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	06/07/2012
Series:	Guides for the Perplexed
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

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

Table of Contents

Introduction. The Ethics of Diet Debate /Chapter 1. What Is Vegetarianism? / Chapter 2. The Argument from Compassion / Chapter 3. The Argument from Rights /Chapter 4. The Argument from Interests/ Chapter 5. The Eco-Feminist Argument/ Chapter 6. The Environmental Argument/ Chapter 7. The Anthrocentric Argument/ Chapter 8. The Sacredness of Life Argument / Bibliography / Index

Editorial Reviews

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.
Ethical Perspectives

"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

"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.

From the Publisher