...the situation reminds me of a pattern in similar cases I have noticed before. It goes like this. Some people make personal sacrifices, supposedly toward solving problems that don’t threaten them personally. They sort recycling, buy free range eggs, buy fair trade, campaign for wealth redistribution etc. Their actions are seen as virtuous. They see those who don’t join them as uncaring and immoral. A more efficient solution to the problem is suggested. It does not require personal sacrifice. People who have not previously sacrificed support it. Those who have previously sacrificed object on grounds that it is an excuse for people to get out of making the sacrifice. The supposed instrumental action, as the visible sign of caring, has become virtuous in its own right. Solving the problem effectively is an attack on the moral people.
I think this is what’s happening with vegans and cultured meat. In someplace they feel like it snatches the moral victory from their hands. I think most vegan activists aren’t against it, but they also don’t support it nearly as much as they should.
I think this is what’s happening with vegans and cultured meat. In someplace they feel like it snatches the moral victory from their hands. I think most vegan activists aren’t against it, but they also don’t support it nearly as much as they should.