Atheism + Utilitarian = Vegan Conspiracy? [EDIT]

Reasonable Doubts: Episode 43 Stewards of this Earth

So while the rest of the show I agreed with as usual, the whole Atheism + Utilitarianism = Vegan/Vegetarianism thing just baffles me. Now granted when it was explained in the episode it made slightly more sense but I still call bullshit on it as the only logical conclusion. Some of you (all 0 of my readers) might question why I should case as I label myself agnostic. Well, others says agnostic is a descriptor rather than a stance/belief; I say you can doubt the existence of any divinity and lean in an atheistic direction without being an atheist. Honestly, it is the usual fence-sitter accusation that I find more childish than productive or meaningful; but I digress. Back to the topic at hand, I can now see why some promote the idea of a Vegan Conspiracy Theory. I'm gonna post my reaction of their episode blog post then repost it here. I honestly hope they follow up this notion with some more in-depth explanation. It is the only thing that I have ever heard from these guy or any other skeptical person that made me cock my head an say, "What the fuck!?" Here is my responce:

I certainly hope we get a follow-up podcast, even if it is a 10min blip explaining this idea of Atheism + Utilitarianism = Vegan/Vegetarianism. I will say this upfront: if eating meat is indeed my only sacred calf, then I'm doing well; but I digress.

Yes, the current system of meat production is unacceptable. However, such flaws are not necessarily grounds for abandoning meat as a diet staple. I will be the first to admit agricultural and livestock farming needs reform. This said, the current state of the meat industry is not going to change by merely altering one's diet. This is sidestepping the issue rather than addressing it. While I can applaud and/or understand the desire to move towards rabbit food the reasons listed during the show appear lacking. Personal choice is just that so I don't have beef (bad pun!) with this though I do hold reservations about this is the apparently logical conclusion that a rationally-minded Utilitarian skeptic should come to (or maybe I’m horribly misinterpreting the podcast).

What should happen: everyone demand drastic improvement towards the treatment of livestock. Would this mean a reduction in the quality and quantity? Yes; but well worth it. If I am going to use an animal for food, the least I can do is give it a good life in the meantime and kill it with as little pain as possible. Even if it were a wild animal, I would still demand such. If someone is going to use me for food (i.e. vampires, cannibals, zombies, etc.), besides warning them of the health risks of such an unhealthy meal, all I want is to go out peacefully and in a good mood. Once dead, I'm worm-food anyway.

Shortages from such a radical change would be great and likely economically painful. How then do we feed such a large growing world population? Well, firstly we need to stop that growth and downside our numbers. This aside, a redistribution of overall omnivorous diets worldwide might help to ease the demand of meats, which is Utilitarian in principle. Those on the extremes, vegans would not affect the balance of the system. Supplements of nuts and other protein sources would supplement the rationed meats. The more Utilitarian approach of meat production would spill over to agricultural, which further increased efficiency to feed the (decreasing) population.

Now, realistically, such efforts are improbable, if not impossible. So where does that leave me? I've watch the slaughterhouse videos and while my (liberal) heart bleeds in compassion it also burns in anger, I still crave my meat and enjoy every immoral unethical hypocritical bite. I can also apply this to most things I stuff into my mouth. As 2 Gryphon said (paraphrased), 'There's nothing more exciting than a psychotic clown selling me cow death for my face!' If we really wanted to be Utilitarian about things, humanely (boy, is that a deceptive term) terminating a sizable chuck of itself would be a very good way to assure the most benefit for the most living things, human or otherwise. If we are to do this, I suggest not letting such good stock go to waste.

Speaking of which, at least when one eats meat it is not still alive. True, while leafs off a lettuce are like fingers removed from a body, eating a carrot is a bit more macabre. Though one can argue plants cannot feel pain, I find it morbid that Vegans enjoy eating fresh plants that are still alive at the time. While I partake in this grisly buffet, it is ironic for primary plant eaters who promote non-meat diets as more ethical. For my part, Atheism + Utilitarianism = moderation & respect. Even if we were to be lords of our domain, why should we be pricks about it? Just because you're a king doesn't mean you have to be a dictator or authoritarian. Conversely, you can be atheistic and utilitarian without forgoing meat or giving up on a sadistic industry. I'm not sure if this is a rant, rebuke, lampoon, or something more constructive. Feel free (anyone) to pick out the flaws in this diatribe, as it will help me to better articulate my argument and sense of humor.

[EDIT] I changed all the misused "Unitarianism" to "Utilitarianism". Fuck!