The practice of abstaining from meat has been found in many cultures throughout history, and ethical reasons have been a major motivation behind the choice to eat a vegan or vegetarian diet for centuries. Eastern traditions such as Buddhism and Hinduism have a long history of vegetarianism. The interest in a meatless diet in the West had a rebirth in the 18th and 19th centuries with the Enlightenment. Rationales for adopting a vegetarian diet have changed over time. For some, the concern is over cruelty to animals and a wish to avoid that. Others are concerned that the enormous quantities of grain fed to cattle to be consumed by rich Westerners are contributing to world hunger. Another ethical concern is how the resources required for raising animals for food affects the environment. One other reason commonly cited, especially recently, is for health reasons; this subject will not be treated in this pathfinder although some of the sources cited contain information on vegetarian nutrition and health benefits.
- ISBN13 9781300603252
- Publish Date 3 July 2017
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 25 June 2021
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Lulu.com
- Format eBook (OEB)
- Language English