#103 - Cosmic Skeptic - Veganism, Atheism and Morality
Sep 16, 2019
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In this engaging discussion, Alex O'Connor, aka Cosmic Skeptic, a YouTuber and Oxford student, shares his philosophical journey to veganism. He addresses the moral dilemmas of meat consumption and the emotional versus logical motivations behind dietary choices. The conversation explores the relationship between secularism and morality, arguing that ethical living doesn't solely depend on religion. Alex also reflects on the quest for community and social cohesion within both religious and atheistic frameworks, encouraging listeners to rethink their ethical beliefs.
The catalyst for Cosmic Skeptic's conversion to veganism was a philosophical discussion in which he couldn't justify the suffering of animals for his own sustenance.
Consistency in moral reasoning is crucial when considering the treatment of animals, challenging the notion of different moral worth based on species or intelligence.
Being secular does not equate to being immoral, as moral virtue can exist independently of religious beliefs.
Deep dives
Conversion to Veganism
Alex O'Connor, also known as Cosmic Skeptic, discusses his recent conversion to veganism. He explains that the catalyst for his change was a philosophical discussion where he couldn't justify the suffering of animals for his own sustenance. This led him to make a video presenting reasons to go vegan and inviting others to convince him otherwise. His decision was highly influenced by reading Peter Singer's book 'Animal Liberation' and the ethical arguments it presented.
Arguments for Veganism
Alex O'Connor explores the philosophical arguments for veganism. He emphasizes the importance of consistency in moral reasoning, using examples that challenge the notion of different moral worth based on species or intelligence. He argues that if we consider it morally wrong to torture a dog, we should also consider it morally wrong to treat other animals in the same way. He encourages individuals to question what justifies causing unnecessary suffering to animals and to make choices that minimize harm in order to be morally consistent.
Secularism and Moral Virtue
Alex O'Connor addresses the claim that an increase in secularism has led to a decrease in moral virtue. He counters this claim, stating that being secular does not equate to being immoral. He argues that moral virtue can exist independently of religious beliefs and that secular ethics provide a valid basis for moral reasoning. He highlights the importance of individual beliefs and values in shaping moral behavior, emphasizing that secular individuals can still uphold moral principles based on empathy, reason, and the desire to minimize suffering.
The importance of suffering as a moral consideration
In this podcast episode, the speaker emphasizes that suffering is the key moral consideration when it comes to the treatment of animals. They argue that potential pleasure or preference alone is not enough to justify killing or causing harm to animals. The speaker rejects the idea that potential pleasure should be a determining factor, using the example of potential pleasure in choosing not to engage in sexual activity. They believe that the moral worth of an action should be based on its impact on minimizing suffering rather than solely on preference or potential pleasure.
Addressing the morality of animals killing other animals
The podcast explores the question of how animals killing other animals fits into the moral framework of minimizing suffering. The speaker discusses the common argument that if animals can kill other animals, it should be morally acceptable for humans to do so as well. However, they disagree, stating that humans should hold themselves to a higher moral standard. They argue that humans have the capacity for rational thought and moral responsibility, and therefore should not use the behavior of animals as a justification for their own actions. They highlight the importance of minimizing suffering and suggest that focusing on this principle is more relevant than trying to mirror the behavior of the animal kingdom.
Alex O'Connor aka Cosmic Skeptic is a YouTuber and Student at Oxford University.
How many people go vegan due to a philosophical debate? And how many actively try to get the fans of their YouTube Channel to talk them out of it? Alex is one person on that list.
Expect to learn the one philosophical question which Alex has trouble justifying, Alex's reasons for going vegan, whether he thinks that a less religious society has problems with morality and how religions relate to social cohesion.
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Get in touch. Join the discussion with me and other like minded listeners in the episode comments on the MW YouTube Channel or message me...
