Food for Thought: The Debate over Eating Meat

by Steve F. Sapontzis (Editor)

For anyone who has ever wondered about the ethics of killing animals for food, this is the definitive collection of essays on the ethical debate. Written by internationally recognized scholars on both sides of the debate, the provocative articles here compiled will give vegetarians and meat-eaters a thorough grounding in all aspects of this controversial issue.After an introduction to the nature of the debate by editor Steve F. Sapontzis, Daniel Dombrowski reviews the history of vegetarianism. There follows a discussion of health issues and what anthropology has to tell us about human diet. Also included are the classic cases for vegetarianism from philosophers Peter Singer and Tom Regan, and new essays rebutting those classic positions from humanists Roger Scruton and Carl Cohen, among others. Various scholars then examine religious teachings about eating animals, which are drawn from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as Native American and Eastern traditions. Finally, Carol J. Adams, Deanne Curtin, and Val Plumwood, among other outstanding advocates, debate the ethics of eating meat in connection with feminism, environmentalism, and multiculturalism.Containing virtually a "Who's Who" of philosophers, social critics, environmentalists, feminists, and religious scholars who have participated in the vegetarianism debate over the past quarter century, this outstanding anthology of expert articles, most of them new, provides the latest thinking on a subject of increasing public interest.

Genres: Nonfiction, Food, Philosophy

382 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Shannon Hedges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I struggle with food-related politics and ethics. I'm honestly still confused as to which side of the ethical debate I belong. This book is great as experts present both sides. As expected, health issues--what medical doctors and anthropologists have discovered--were discussed. Of particular interest to me, philosophical arguments and religious/spiritual perspectives, including those had by Native Americans and Eastern cultures, on eating animals were examined. Feminist and environmental approaches were also presented, resulting in an engrossing anthology. Carol Adams' argument was especially compelling.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A LARGELY PRO-VEGETARIAN COLLECTION OF ESSAYS

Unlike many other "well-balanced" collections of pro/con essays published by Prometheus, this one is fairly much weighted toward the pro-vegetarian/vegan; however, it presents an interesting variety of different viewpoints WITHIN this side of the debate. Essays by some of the "big names" are included, such as Peter Singer, Tom Regan, Andrew Linzey, and Carol J. Adams.

One essayist notes that "even in people who define themselves as atheists, vegetarianism may retain the character of an absolute imperative, a prophylactic against pollution that has all the marks of pious observance." (Pg. 81) He later answers the question of "why life should be sacrificed, just for this?" by replying, "the life that is sacrificed would not exist, but for the sacrifice." (Pg. 90)

Another essayist argues that "There can be no moral objection to mutually beneficial, ecologically responsible human-nonhuman relationships. Milk and eggs can be exchanged for shelter, food, and care. I know a number of people living on 'no kill' farms who treat their chickens, cows, and goats with respect and warmth." (Pg. 96)

Still another notes that "in view of the inevitable increase in the cost of meat and meat products that would be entailed by the far-reaching reforms needed in agricultural practices, it seems inevitable, though unfair, that the poor will carry the heaviest burden. Social conscience has its costs. If needed reforms were to be implemented, they would end the age of the cheap hamburger meal." (Pg. 322)

This book has an unusually wide variety of arguments and a broad range of discussion, and will be of considerable value to persons on all sides of the various issues.

[Elio Nakouzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-balanced account on the issue. I think this field is growing quickly and involving environmental, anthropocentric, personal health, and ethical issues (among others). This makes it a difficult subject to survey. But this book groups together a series of essays by excellent specialists to cover most of these issues in an objective and informative way. Can be read in small bits, or even selectively depending on you specific interests.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a lot of philosophy in this book and it really stretched my mind. Totally recommend this book as an interesting resource that tries to address both sides of the debate over eating meat.

[Bridget Fletcher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting to a point, but some of the essays are repetative.