Deep Vegetarianism

Abstract

Just as "deep ecology" (which inspired the book's title) calls for replacing the resource-orientated view of "shallow ecology" with one that highlights the intrinsic value of the biosphere, the aim of this text is to explore vegetarianism in considerable depth. My intention is to show that vegetarianism represents much more than arbitrary or eccentric dietary preference, belief, or mind-set dictated by considerations of health of lifestyle alone. A full examination of the vegetation outlook instead raises a broad range of philosophical issues connected with the moral, social,and political spheres of our existence. Thus it is proper to think of vegetarianism as helping to shape a way of life and to effect a shift in conscious awareness.