IS VEGETARIANISM AN ACT OF STOICISM?

in #philosophy6 years ago (edited)

Is vegetariansim an act of stoicism?

This question is perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions among group of philosophers. And to say but candidly, it is a good question.


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The fact remains that stoicism is simply an upholding of anything but vices. People who are stoics approve virtues only. The teaching of stoicism made it clear that anything that isn't virtue isn't good and that which is not vice isn't bad. In all, it just at the centre;

indifference.

The above also applies to diet.

Now to answer the question, vegetarianism is not stoic. It is not gonna be approved by them either.

Stoics won't applaud you and tell you not consuming meat is the 'stoic' or right thing to do. However they aren't aginst vegetarianism, either.


Here is the kind of response you'd get from a stoic on this topic:

"Animals are meant for human consumption, but it's up to you if you wanna eat them or not."

You might come up with some good reasons why it is good to abstain from meat consumption but they will remind you that it isn't thesame as being virtuous.

As always -- indifferent about all things--

eating meat doesn't make you a good or a bad person.

Truelly, the stoics may have some guiding rules about eating, but outside of Musonius, there aren't any true dietary restrictions. The stoic way of life is one of practicality and simplicity; same goes with their 'diet'. Zeno ate frugally, which would preclude expensive items. Epictetus proscribes moderation.
Musonius believes food that are easy to get are the best. All of these can be used to justify almost any diet, not just vegetarianism.


So, eat your meat. Or don't. Neither option is particularly stoic.

Thank you for reading.

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My reply is no

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