About Veganism

What is Veganism?

The answer to the question “What is veganism?” sounds like it should be a simple one, and in many ways, it is. However, the common perception of veganism is often incomplete, and it doesn’t always reflect how vegans understand our own philosophy and movement. The Vegan Society, who first coined the term veganism, defines it as:

“A philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.”

You’ll find many definitions of veganism, but this remains the most widely recognised and authoritative. Before we unpack it, it helps to clarify what veganism is not.

Veganism is Not Just a Diet

It’s true that discussions about veganism, especially online, often focus heavily on food. The food that we eat is certainly a big part of being vegan, but veganism is not Buddha bowls, faux meats, or aesthetic smoothie bowls. It isn’t a food trend.

Veganism is a philosophy and a way of living. Veganism includes a dietary component, but it goes beyond what you put on your plate.

Someone who eats a fully plant-based diet but doesn’t extend that philosophy to other areas of life may describe themselves as plant-based. All vegans eat a plant-based diet, but not everyone who eats plant-based is vegan.

Veganism is Not a Boycott

It can be tempting to think of veganism purely in terms of avoidance – vegans don’t eat this, vegans don’t buy that. But defining it only by what is excluded misses something important.

At its core, veganism is a positive philosophy. It’s about what we can choose to do. It’s about how we can reduce harm, live more intentionally, and relate differently to the animals with whom we share our world.

Veganism is Not a Complete Ethical System

Veganism is not a rigid rulebook, nor is it a complete moral framework covering every ethical question.

It doesn’t offer a list of commandments dictating how to behave in every situation. While veganism overlaps with many social justice and environmental movements, at its heart it is a specific ethical stance regarding our treatment of animals.

Most vegans frame this in terms of animal rights, others focus on harm reduction or welfare. But the core idea is consistent: Animals are not here for us to exploit.

Veganism offers guiding principles rather than strict rules, it acknowledges nuance and recognises that life is rarely simple.

The Core Principle

The central idea behind veganism is one shared by many moral philosophies: Do less harm.

Veganism is about treading more lightly in the world and reducing unnecessary suffering where we reasonably can. It fully acknowledges that living a life entirely free from harm is not possible, which is why the phrase “as far as is possible and practicable” is so important.

Veganism doesn’t demand perfection. It asks for intention and effort.

Veganism offers a practical way for many of us to reduce our contribution to animal exploitation. As vegans, we believe that animals have morally relevant interests of their own, including an interest in continuing to live.

We believe that the lives of other creatures are valuable in their own right, and that they not merely resources for humans to use.

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