Non-Human Animals: Crash Course Philosophy #42

Today we are taking all the things we have learned this year about doing philosophy and applying that to moral considerations regarding non-human animals. We’ll explore what philosophers like Peter Singer and Carl Cohen have to say about their use, including the concept of equal consideration of interests.

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[anantdixit]

This reminds me of a quote about a sentient horse having an opinion about its rider: (Source: Dirk Gently by Douglas Adams)

It is difficult to be sat on all day, every day, by some other creature, without forming an opinion on them.
On the other hand, it is perfectly possible to sit all day, every day, on top of another creature and not have the slightest thought about them whatsoever.

[kradangna]

"If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals."
- Sirius Black

[Kamila_Koziol]

It always fascinated me how people (mainly of Western culture, which I'm a part of) lament eating dog meat in some Asian countries while discussing it over a burger. The thing that fascinates me it that most of them are so convinced and comfortable in claiming that it's something totally different, because cows are cattle and dogs are pets, and not even realizing that it's a human construct.

[Littlestpetshop]

I like the fact he said non-human animals instead of just animals

[saram]

I love that he didn't need to mention the word "vegan" at all and the message went through so smoothly. This was perfect.

[chickpeapeace]

"opting out of rational discourse altogether" is such a great line

[bibifolchi]

I love how educational channels are actually starting to talk about this! People need to hear this and stop being so hypocritical

[maybepriyansh]

Im seriously considering some of my lifestyle choices now. Philosphy makes u scrutinize yourself and feel good about that even if u come out on the wrong side as it appeals to your reason instead of "pointless taking sides compatmentalism" that prevails everywhere among ppl nowadays.

[musikmaximizer]

He presented the most common pro-meat-eating arguments and countered them with reason. But it seems like a lot of people in this comment section are not satisfied because it's "pro-vegan". I want to hear some solid arguments from the pro-meat-eating side that he didn't tackle because it seems to me that this video is more about being pro-reason and logic than pro-veganism

[pogonoah]

I'm probably going to become a vegan or a vegetarian when I go to college, or start living on my own. The arguments against meat eating are pretty solid but I don't want to be a burden to my parents by denying meat.

[irrelevantFJS]

I... almost want to cry. To see such a big youtube empire say these things. It means so much to me.

Although to be fair, I don't think it will change much. On this issue in particular, people seem to shut down and refuse to think about it or possibly consider changing their mind.

P.S.

Non-vegan comments:
"Vegans are going to have a field day with this one."
"Watching this while eating a delicious roast beef sandwich. The cows death was totally worth it."
"If non-human animals weren't meant to be eaten, then why are they so delicious?"
"ANIMALS AREN'T CONSCIOUS. furious vegan fanatics and animal supremacists in 3..2.."
"I WOULD go vegan but meat just tastes SOOOO good XD my pleasure and convenience is more important than the pain and death of another organism"

Still looking for those furious vegans, by the way. :P

[احمدمؤيد-ضث]

After watching this I understand why someone would become vegan

[badasunicorn]

I have been having problems with deciding if I should be a vegeterian/vegan for months tipping from view to view, messig with my own morals, ethics and definitions. Then this video came along and presented every part of my mental process as well as the arguments of my friend and family. It's like this entire course is the collectionof all my countless existential crisises listed, with words for everything, and all the details I was looking for. The feeling of having your thoughts confirmed, and explained throughout history. CrashCourse is awsome!

[HappiestVeganonEarth]

Being vegan is so much easier than I thought it would be. I really thought it was this scary impossible thing before I went vegan, but it turned out to be really pretty easy. I feel such a relief -- I was carrying around so much cognitive dissonance before, thinking that I was a compassionate animal lover, but still using animals as a mere means to my own ends. My only regret is that I didn't go vegan sooner!

[yellinghayfire]

Pigs are actually more intelligent than dogs

[stephensmith]

I loved it. You made the point that we (including me) meat eaters are devoid or moral justification, but you did it softly. Well done. I have thought about this to death. Even though I continue to eat meat, i have concluded that it is terribly wrong of me to do so. I need to stop.

[hko]

Eating less meat reduces carbon footprint too!

[pete]

Damn, I'm actually thinking about being a vegetarian after watching this. I always figured it's the way of the world to eat meat. How am I different from any other carnivore? And plants are living creatures too afterall. But dismissing this conversation doesn't say much for my ability to be a deep thinker. Alot to consider here, thanks crash course

[DrFarazHarsini]

It's very difficult to talk about these without making people emotional and sort of mad. You did an amazing job in bringing up these arguments in a way that I think if I wasn't vegan already I would have started considering it right after this video!
Thank you!

[kevinoneal]

The Answer? Nothing. All life is equally meaningless.