Being convinced that veganism is good—and living accordingly—I have observed that my approach to disagreement in other domains is now curiously anchored. When I am confronted with points of disagreement in a social or political sphere, I find it useful to frame such disagreement by informative reference to the moral stakes I consider to be salient in the context of my outlying concern for animal welfare. This is a stark frame, if taken seriously, inasmuch as it can be jarring to observe that so few (otherwise thoughtful) people will arrive at a conclusion that one finds compelling to the point of being “obvious.” That perspective might bend in different directions, I understand, but the insight for me has promoted more tolerant consideration regarding ideas and views that I might once have been predisposed to viscerally reject, at least in the flow of interpersonal dialogue.
That’s very interesting, and I think I’ll lean toward this perspective too (giving more consideration to those who don’t hold a view that’s obvious to me). I’d say this is due to the path that’s led me to veganism. I was aware of my own moral inconsistencies but also of my struggles to do anything about them, and really I won’t expect everyone or most people to notice or change their own inconsistencies, because it’s very hard.
However, I also expect that for some vegans it can be the opposite case and lead them to more intolerance, because in the end their view is obvious to them.
Being convinced that veganism is good—and living accordingly—I have observed that my approach to disagreement in other domains is now curiously anchored. When I am confronted with points of disagreement in a social or political sphere, I find it useful to frame such disagreement by informative reference to the moral stakes I consider to be salient in the context of my outlying concern for animal welfare. This is a stark frame, if taken seriously, inasmuch as it can be jarring to observe that so few (otherwise thoughtful) people will arrive at a conclusion that one finds compelling to the point of being “obvious.” That perspective might bend in different directions, I understand, but the insight for me has promoted more tolerant consideration regarding ideas and views that I might once have been predisposed to viscerally reject, at least in the flow of interpersonal dialogue.
That’s very interesting, and I think I’ll lean toward this perspective too (giving more consideration to those who don’t hold a view that’s obvious to me). I’d say this is due to the path that’s led me to veganism. I was aware of my own moral inconsistencies but also of my struggles to do anything about them, and really I won’t expect everyone or most people to notice or change their own inconsistencies, because it’s very hard.
However, I also expect that for some vegans it can be the opposite case and lead them to more intolerance, because in the end their view is obvious to them.