Why Veganism Matters

Why Veganism Matters presents the case for the personhood of nonhuman animals and for veganism in a clear and accessible way that does not require any philosophical or legal background. This book offers a persuasive and powerful argument for all readers who care about animals but are not sure whether they have a moral obligation to be vegan.

Gary L. Francione is Board of Governors Distinguished Professor of Law and Nicholas deB. Katzenbach Scholar of Law and Philosophy at Rutgers University Law School and visiting professor of philosophy at the University of Lincoln (UK). He is the author of many books, including Animals as Persons: Essays on the Abolition of Animal Exploitation (Columbia, 2008).

David Benatar, author of The Human Predicament: A Candid Guide to Life's Biggest Questions:
The arguments in Gary Francione's Why Veganism Matters are directed at those who think that animals matter. That is not a niche audience. Many—perhaps most—people agree that animals are not things that may be treated in any way one pleases. Given that starting point, Professor Francione argues that veganism is a moral imperative. In doing so, he argues against other prominent defenders of animal interests who reach lesser conclusions. He does so in the clear, accessible manner befitting the broad intended audience. The book contains many engaging arguments that advance our understanding of just how much animals are owed.

Cora Diamond, author of Reading Wittgenstein with Anscombe, Going On to Ethics:
Gary Francione argues with great force and clarity for radical change in our relations with animals. Why Veganism Matters is especially noteworthy for its sharp critique of current approaches to animal ethics. This is a gripping and deeply challenging book, every page of which conveys the significance of the moral stakes.