Aristotle was a vegetarian Greek philosopher

Lived: 384-322 BCE
Birth place: Athens, Greece

Aristotle was a 4th century BCE Greek philosopher whose books have become a integral part of university curriculum on western philosophy. Aristotle was a disciple of Plato, also a Greek philosopher.

Aristotle has written books that expounded on his philosophies. One of his more known concepts was the idea of classifying human beings as "social rational animals" - ie. that humans are intelligent/thinking social animals who need to be in a community with other human animals in order to be well.

For information see: <a href="http://www.ivu.org/history/greece_rome/aristotle.html" target="_blank">IVU</a>

7 Comments

sverkules

Points +238

Vegan
Posted on 30 Jul 2022

I think you are thinking of Pythagoras. Aristoteles was the main influence on Christian western philosophy cementing the oppression of animals. Suggested reading: in defense of Animals, Ed. Peter Singer.

There was an active vegetarian debate in classical greece which Aristotle help put to
an end by arguing that only white males where capable of reason and therefore worthy of moral concern. Women, slaves and animals where not to be considered.

Please correct this list so as not confuse potential readers and help explain why change is possible also when it comes to
animals.

cwilton

Points +23

Vegan
Posted on 29 Dec 2019

No, Aristotle was not vegetarian. Where are you getting this stuff. You are not helping the cause of animal rights/veganism by publishing this nonsense.

Onixonst

Points +26

Vegan
Posted on 28 Sep 2019

"Plants exist for the sake of animals, and brute beasts for the sake of man..." - Aristotle, The Politics

These are not the words of a vegetarian. It is significantly unlikely Aristotle was vegetarian.

RoseSareRubieS

Points +17

Vegan
Posted on 03 Aug 2017

IF HE *WAS* VEGETARIAN HE WAS A G :)

Avatar Salmantn

Salmantn

Points +7

Mostly Veg
Posted on 02 Nov 2010

I disagree. There is no proof for Aristotle being a vegetarian, and i think this page is misleading to those who know less. If you google, 'the works of aristotle' and read 'of the stomach' that is the proof of aristotle 'not' being a vegetarian. Here is an excerpt from the page:

Why is it unwholesome to stay long for one dish after another and to eat of divers kinds of meat?
Because the first begins to digest when the first is eaten and so the digestion is not equally made, and therefore the meat digested beginneth to corrupt. But yet this rule is to be noted touching the order of meat, that if there be any dishes, whereof some are light of digestion, as chickens, kid, veal, soft eggs, and such like, these meats should be first eaten; but gross meats, as venison, bacon, beef, roast pork, hard eggs, and fried eggs, should be eaten last.

Avatar G squared

G squared

Points +12

Vegetarian
Posted on 28 Dec 2009

what evidence is there that Aristotle was a vegetarian?

Chia

Points +3635

Vegetarian
Posted on 06 Jan 2008

I read some Aristotle work in college while studying western philosophy, and I must say I enjoyed his thinking and style. Cool dude.

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