A neglected consideration in favor of veganism is that it gives one greater signalling flexibility over most other diets. Depending on one’s audience, one can honestly describe oneself as a “vegetarian”, a “lacto-vegetarian”, a “reducetarian”, etc. as well as a “vegan”. The importance of this consideration will depend on the relative impact of signalling versus direct effects, the benefits of sending different signals in different contexts, the intrinsic and instrumental value of honesty, and other factors.
Upon reflection, I agree with you. I haven’t been using the “lactovegetarian” label much, both because few people know what it means and because there isn’t much need to use it. But I won’t be using it at all from now on.
A neglected consideration in favor of veganism is that it gives one greater signalling flexibility over most other diets. Depending on one’s audience, one can honestly describe oneself as a “vegetarian”, a “lacto-vegetarian”, a “reducetarian”, etc. as well as a “vegan”. The importance of this consideration will depend on the relative impact of signalling versus direct effects, the benefits of sending different signals in different contexts, the intrinsic and instrumental value of honesty, and other factors.
I agree re ‘vegetarian’ and ‘vegan’ but ‘lacto-vegetarian’ seems dishonest.
Upon reflection, I agree with you. I haven’t been using the “lactovegetarian” label much, both because few people know what it means and because there isn’t much need to use it. But I won’t be using it at all from now on.