Year 10 - Religious education
Veganism: could it be seen as a religion?
Belief: what is religion and does everyone understand it in the same way?
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Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will consider the term religion and ask: what does it mean? Does everyone see it as the same thing? Ninian Smart's dimensions will provide one way in which religion has been classified. A case study of Japan and ethical veganism offer opportunities to question what is meant.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to evaluate whether ethical veganism could qualify as a religion based on existing definitions and in comparison to the Jain faith.
Key Notes
- Ethical vegans exclude all forms of animal exploitation, as far as is possible.
- Ethical veganism is recognised in UK law as a philosophical belief protected by the Equality Act.
- Ahimsa and not harming any life is central to the Jain religion.
- We can compare Jainism and ethical veganism to better understand how religion can be defined.
Vocabulary To Learn
- ahimsa: without harm; the principle of being non-violent
- ethical veganism: choosing to live without exploiting animals in any way
- Jain: a dharmic religious tradition with a high commitment to ahimsa
- protected characteristic: nine characteristics protected by the Equality Act of 2010
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- That ahimsa only relates to not harming animal life.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
Ethical vegans exclude all forms of animal exploitation, as far as is possible. Ethical veganism is recognised in UK law as a philosophical belief protected by the Equality Act.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'ahimsa'
without harm; the principle of being non-violent.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: That ahimsa only relates to not harming animal life. Correction: Ahimsa relates to not harming any living thing, so can include humans, animals and plants if someone considers that a living thing.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 10 Religious education guide library.