I don’t think any of the examples given above justify the killing of animals. Take the example of animals lacking self-consciousness, therefore, unlike self-conscious humans, they cannot comprehend the future and cannot be self-critical, and some even argue that without the ability to be self-conscious, they do not feel pain. Now, if we contrast this to an infant, or perhaps a man who has certain defects of the brain which doesn’t allow him to be self-conscious, along with the infant child. It would be absurd to say we can put these two examples through cosmetic trials, a life inside a cage, or grow them to be used in whatever way our desires lead to. Also, to say that because an animal isn’t self-conscious—which in some cases is arguably false—it cannot feel pain, is even more absurd. Like when a young infant is pinched or feels a sharp object, they will have a quick repelling reaction, just like that of an animal if you step on its tail, for example (please do not try this on infants or animals at home).
You don’t have to be self-conscious to feel pain, think about it, are you in control of your pain receptors? And are you self-conscious? Taking this case one step further, for an outside perspective, I’ll use philosopher Peter Vardy’s example of a Martian coming to earth. It is as follows; the Martian comes to earth and before his eyes he sees humans slaughtering animals in their thousands because they are not self-conscious. So, in light of what humans have done, the Martians start to kill everything that they deem to not have the ability of self-consciousness; babies and adult humans with brain defects, so that they can eat and survive. They are merely abiding by the nature of how they see humans acting. In my view, this example should allow the average meat-eater to realise their ignorance, and to realise that they are Speciesists.
I won’t go into specific details as to what many mammals and animals go through in order to please the bellies of human greed, as I’m just about to tuck into a nice Quorn Cottage pie. However, I do hope that this article has shed light on some of the problems and inadequacies of arguments in favour of meat-eating, especially over-consumption of meat. To justify raising and over-feeding a cow, inside, in artificial light and with limited space, and then slitting its throat, usually after electrifying it, all for the benefit of filling your stomach and desires, as well as making a huge profit, is not much difference from the time of slavery. I wonder if Speciesism in years to come will be put in comparison to the dark times of racism.
All those ranting and raging over the horse meat scandal, if the Hindu tradition of karma and dharma were true, it serves you right. Well, almost.
-JWF