Modern Wisdom #103 - Cosmic Skeptic - Veganism, Atheism and Morality
Sep 16, 2019
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.
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Sudden Veganism
- Alex O'Connor's veganism began unexpectedly after a bus encounter with a cat.
- Seeing the cat's fear triggered a sudden realization about his own actions, leading him to a vegan breakfast.
Accidental Consumption
- There's debate about consuming accidentally included animal products.
- Some vegans refuse such food, while others, like O'Connor, see it as maximizing minimized suffering.
Justification for Suffering
- Justify actions causing suffering, rather than finding reasons against it.
- Torturing a dog is morally similar to torturing a pig, raising the question of speciesism.
