In response to the first point, What challenge does the case of the Inuit behavior present to the study of ethics; I believe that although we should respect other cultures, and their beliefs, that killing beings for the sole purpose that they are not useful, is wrong. I think that the central problem here is when can we get rid of certain things in a culture while still respecting the main parts of the culture as a whole. I think that in order to achieve this we have to find the balance between human rights and the right to cultural diversity.
According to the UN the first three human rights are: (this is copy and pasted sorry Andre! :)
Article 1.
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Article 2.
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.
Article 3.
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
Therefore the killing of persons because of any reason should be outlawed in accordance with the UN's Human Rights. There are ways to educate these people (without converting them, thanks evangelicals), so that they can learn to deal with things such as children with disabilities and these people can continue their cultural traditions without violating the Human Rights.
1 comment:
For me I think it's pretty hard to say when it is right to kill.
When looking at article three "Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person." How come this does not cover prisoners or war? Many believe we still have the death penalty and fight wars to keep our culture functional.
I do not see how the US, UN, or any other nation are able to say the Inuits are wrong when we still kill others ourselves.
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