Intelligence Squared debate: Don't eat anything with a face

A group of young pigs stare out of a pen at a hog farm.
A group of young pigs stare out of a pen at a hog farm in central North Dakota in January 2005.
Will Kincaid | AP Photo 2005

A debate from the Intelligence Squared series. The motion is, “Don’t eat anything with a face.”

Under "stay-at-home" requirements, people are buying more groceries for cooking their meals at home and many of us are thinking more often about what we like to eat. The Intelligence Squared series hosted a debate about one thing many people like to eat — meat.

According to a 2009 poll, around 1 percent of American adults reported eating no animal products. In 2011 that number rose to 2.5 percent — more than double, but still dwarfed by the 48 percent who reported eating meat, fish or poultry at all of their meals.

In this country, most of us are blessed with an abundance of food and food choices. So taking into account our health, the environment and ethical concerns, which diet is best? Are we or aren't we meant to be carnivores?

Intelligence Squared debates are moderated by John Donvan.

Use the audio player above to listen to the program.

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