If Carnism Is World Ending, Ought Vegans Proselytize?: The Logic and Rhetoric of Veganism

Carnism is world-ending—thus far, it has ended the worlds of trillions of sentient beings, and given its current catastrophic environmental impact, it may eventually end the world of many or even most species, including our own. For most, veganism is a personal choice—presumably at least a partially rational one. At some point, vegans became persuaded of the multiple advantages of veganism and have modified their diets and lifestyles. Vegans then face the moral problem of “vegan proselytizing,” that is, what is the moral status of persuading others to become vegan? This problem arises because veganism is a preponderant phenomenon—that is, its desired effects can only be achieved when most or preferably all adopt a vegan diet/lifestyle. This chapter argues that it is in everyone’s best interest that everyone becomes a vegan, as veganism is essential to the lives of many sentient beings and the planet’s ability to sustain animal life. Thus, persuading others to adopt a vegan diet is morally obligatory. These issues are further examined by analyzing (1) logical arguments for veganism, (2) an increased reliance on an enlarged, essentially rhetorical view in which a variety of other tropes beyond logic and media beyond writing allow a more impactful depiction of the relevant issues, and (3) including a focus on the first critical rhetorical task: becoming persuaded that one’s diet/lifestyle should be problematized. The welfare of the planet and all sentient beings hinges on this persuasive task.