There aren't many Objectivist vegetarians, although there are a few. But if you're interested in some of the moral arguments about vegetarianism -- from a non-mystical perspective -- then check out Diana Hsieh's take on it. Here's a teaser:
So what human-centered reasons do we have to refrain from abusing animals? Let's start by considering two easy cases. Case 1: I cause pain to my dog in the course of cleaning out an infected wound. Case 2: I cause pain to my dog either arbitrarily (for no reason at all), sadistically (for the pleasure of watching her suffer), or furiously (in an out of control rage). Even though the pain experienced is the same (let's say), why is the first a moral course of action, whereas the second is not?Posted by Craig Ceely at December 5, 2004 11:38 AM