I very strongly disagree that eating insects is permissible. It's not at all obvious whether insects are conscious--I lean towards the view that they can. Additionally, because they're so small and inefficient, insect farming requires way more animals to be mistreated than other kinds of farming. For instance, about 98% of total animal y…
I very strongly disagree that eating insects is permissible. It's not at all obvious whether insects are conscious--I lean towards the view that they can. Additionally, because they're so small and inefficient, insect farming requires way more animals to be mistreated than other kinds of farming. For instance, about 98% of total animal years produced by the farming industry come from the honey industry. In light of that, not only are honey and silk impermissible, honey might even be among the worst animal products.
(The good news? If you enjoy honey, you can get bee-free honey—Mellody is one brand on the market I’m aware of. I have a bottle in my pantry. Delicious.)
As for silkworms, they’re killed in their cocoons (by boiling water or steam).
I very strongly disagree that eating insects is permissible. It's not at all obvious whether insects are conscious--I lean towards the view that they can. Additionally, because they're so small and inefficient, insect farming requires way more animals to be mistreated than other kinds of farming. For instance, about 98% of total animal years produced by the farming industry come from the honey industry. In light of that, not only are honey and silk impermissible, honey might even be among the worst animal products.
What evidence have you seen that suggests honey bees and/or silkworms are mistreated? Unlike say insects for feed, they aren't killed.
Hi Compav—here’s a short (~6 min) video about the harm done to honeybees: https://youtu.be/clMNw_VO1xo?si=u5VbgI2DCUIeutaT
(The good news? If you enjoy honey, you can get bee-free honey—Mellody is one brand on the market I’m aware of. I have a bottle in my pantry. Delicious.)
As for silkworms, they’re killed in their cocoons (by boiling water or steam).
Thanks for the link and info.
I think what Huemer cares about among insects is pain, not consciousness.