The Problem with Utilitarianism

I didn’t think I was going to comment on Richard Burgess’s recent disturbing statements because I didn’t want to give these pronouncements the air of publicity, yet I cannot allow such dangerous views to go unchallenged.

For those of you who do not know what I’m talking about, Richard is a very high profile vegan bodybuilder with a large YouTube following. He is better known by his channel name, ‘Vegan Gains’. He is highly intelligent, well-read and with an awesome knowledge of scientific facts and studies to back up his arguments for veganism. I have followed his debates with other YouTubers — both vegan and carnist — for years.

As a bodybuilder, he is in a perfect position to call out those who try to use false nutritional claims as an excuse for consuming meat and dairy. He’s debated radical, extreme carnists such as Sv3rige and has always been quick to call out ex-vegans such as Jon Venus when they inevitably start churning out lame, unfounded excuses for eating animal products again. I always felt that Richard was truly dedicated to the fight against animal abuse and much as I might sometimes disagree with his approach, I always thought he was a staunch ally for animal rights, even if some of his quirks are a little cringeworthy.

Which is why his recent comments are so disturbing. He has publicly stated that he believes it would be…