Matthew C. Halteman

Author/Philosopher/Advocate

I’m Matthew C. Halteman, a professor of philosophy at Calvin University and a fellow at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. My work is driven by deep commitments to human flourishing, animal freedom, food systems transformation, and communal cooperation to realize as much truth, beauty, and goodness as we collectively can! As an author, teacher, and advocate, I explore how the choices we make around food can shape a more compassionate, sustainable, and joyful world.

My new book, Hungry Beautiful Animals, is a heartfelt, humane, and even hilarious account of why rule-obsessed vegan practices fail, and how a focus on flourishing can lead to an abundant future for everyone.

I serve on the boards of several animal advocacy and food justice organizations, including the Better Food Foundation and CreatureKind. Through these roles, I engage in efforts to transform food systems and inspire collective action for a more abundant future.

Life pursuits include practicing the disciplines of partnership, parenting, friendship, teaching and learning philosophy as a way of life, advocacy for fellow creatures (human and otherwise), Twin Peaks super-fandom, feverish support of The Arsenal Football Club, and eating vegan desserts like they are going out of style (even though they are just now coming into style).

If you’re interested in exploring the intersection of animal ethics, food systems, and philosophy as a way of life, or if you'd like to discuss the ideas in Hungry Beautiful Animals and how they can be put into practice for real-world change, let’s connect!