What Does 'As Far As Possible and Practicable' Mean?
Summary
This clause recognizes that individuals face different medical, financial, geographic, and safety constraints. Vegan practice is assessed by reasonable effort to avoid animal exploitation where viable—not by perfection.
Supported by 3 cited sources
Key Points
- 1The phrase "as far as possible and practicable" is a crucial component of the definition of veganism that addresses real-world constraints and accessibility.
- 2Vegan practice should be assessed by reasonable effort, not perfection
- 3The clause aligns with "ought implies can" principle in ethics—we can only be morally obligated to do what we are actually capable of doing.
Evidence Summary
What this clause means:
This is an accessibility and real-world constraint principle. It recognizes that:
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Perfect avoidance of all animal products is often impossible in modern systems
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Individuals face different medical, financial, geographic, and safety constraints
Examples of real-world constraints:
Medical necessity:
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Medications may contain animal-derived ingredients (gelatin capsules, lactose fillers)
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Vaccines often use animal products in development or production
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Some medical conditions may require specific treatments with no vegan alternatives
Economic constraints:
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Vegan alternatives may not be affordable for everyone
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Some regions have limited access to diverse plant foods
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Food security may require accepting available options
Geographic limitations:
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Food deserts and rural areas may have limited vegan options
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Some indigenous and traditional communities have few alternatives
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Emergency situations may limit choices
Safety considerations:
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Certain work environments may require non-vegan protective equipment
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Emergency situations may limit food choices
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Some medications are life-saving necessities
Philosophical basis:
It prevents veganism from being an impossible standard that excludes people with disabilities, limited resources, or specific circumstances.
What this clause does NOT mean:
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It is NOT a loophole for convenience choices
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It does NOT excuse optional participation in animal exploitation
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It does NOT mean "whenever it's inconvenient"
Supporting Evidence
Practical Takeaways
Practical application:
Ask: "Is avoiding this animal product genuinely not possible or practicable for me, or is it merely inconvenient?" Genuine constraints deserve accommodation; mere preferences do not.
Sources & Evidence
3 sources cited across 2 claims
Veganism acknowledges practical limits
Expert ConsensusPractical factors are legitimate considerations
Expert Consensus