First Advisor
Brad Berman
Date of Award
Spring 6-1-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Philosophy and University Honors
Department
Philosophy
Language
English
Subjects
animal ethics, farming, exploitation, animal rights, animal welfare, meat, veganism, vegetarianism
Abstract
Increasing interdisciplinary attention is turning to the practice of humane farming and conscientious carnivorism (eating meat produced only by humane methods). In this paper, I address an argument in favor of conscientious carnivorism proposed by philosopher Nick Zangwill in the article “Our Moral Duty to Eat Meat.” I first explicate Zangwill’s argument from historical benefit which concludes that meat-eating is not only morally permissible but obligatory by virtue of duties generated by our shared historical relationship of mutual benefit with farm animals. I demonstrate that Zangwill’s argument is unsound using philosophical accounts of exploitation to show that mutual-benefit is insufficient to ground moral permissibility. I then discuss why, while undoubtedly preferable to factory farming, humane farming is morally impermissible insofar as it is a paradigmatic case of exploitation. Finally, I consider the implications of my conclusion and address an objection about the moral weight of species extinction, gesturing to a few potential avenues for further research.
Recommended Citation
McMahon, Killian, "Exploitation in Conscientious Carnivorism" (2026). University Honors Theses. Paper 1867.