"Worst Dinner Guest Ever?" Food intolerances, gut issues, and the ethics of hosting. Dr Megan Dean Pt2

Send us Fan MailPart 2 of our conversation with philosopher Megan Dean. We explore the ethics of hosting and the tensions that arise when accommodating guests with dietary restrictions. We dive into her paper "The Worst Dinner Guest Ever" to understand why people with food allergies and gut issues often face skepticism and judgment when sharing their needs.• Megan was inspired by a blog post about accommodating guests with multiple dietary restrictions and the heated debate in its comment section• "Epistemic humility" means acknowledging people as authorities on their own bodies and experiences• Many food intolerances cause invisible or delayed symptoms, making them easy to dismiss but no less real• Hosting responsibilities include keeping guests safe and comfortable, which means taking dietary needs seriously• Cultural contexts create complex ethical situations where being a "good guest" might mean risking discomfort• "Healthism" flattens the rich experience of eating by assuming health should always be our primary consideration• The true "worst dinner guest" is the one who judges others' food choices rather than enjoying the shared experienceMegan A. Dean; The “Worst Dinner Guest Ever”: On “Gut Issues” and Epistemic Injustice at the Dinner Table. Gastronomica 1 August 2022; 22 (3): 59–71. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/gfc.2022.22.3.59 Undisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health. Follow us on Twitter @undisciplinary_ or email questions for "mailbag episodes" [email protected]