Humanities and Ethical Issues: Reflection Essay

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Out of all humanities and ethical issues reviewed in the course, I found the most interesting to be those of cultural views of female genital surgery and moral considerations for other animals. I was curious about the ethical codes of different cultures and how distinct communities regard various matters. For instance, Rachels (2012) suggests that some cultures refuse to eat cows because the people believe that the souls of humans inhabit these animals. Some societies do not consume cows due to the rights of living creatures, others assume that it would be wrong to kill a soul within the body, and the rest have no trouble eating any animals. Furthermore, Rachels (2012) debates female excision and states that despite its unpleasant, painful, and dangerous effects, female genital surgery has become a widespread social practice among varying cultures. Although such a procedure has no apparent social advantages, genital surgeries on women remain common among dissimilar groups (Rachels, 2012). While each topic examined throughout the course was engaging, the two discussed above appear to be often overlooked by society but are quite important.

Learning about moral considerations for animals and cultural views of female genital surgery can contribute to my understanding of ethics by helping me to make better judgments regarding cultural distinctions in my own life. For example, by exploring some reasons why people do not consume cows, I have recognized that most societies have similar value systems but vary in belief systems (Rachels, 2012). I comprehend that differences in custom do not reflect the significance of a community and that one should contemplate many factors to conclude whether a matter is right or wrong (Rachels, 2012). As mentioned above, female excision offers no social benefits, yet the procedure can lead to fewer unwanted pregnancies, less adultery, and better relationships within a family (Rachels, 2012). To decide if a social practice is ethically appropriate, one can assess whether it promotes or hinders the welfare of the involved people (Rachels, 2012). Upon studying the two issues, I have realized the importance of not making prompt conclusions and assuming the perspectives of each affected party.

Furthermore, I believe that the categorical imperative can help me handle some ethical situations in my personal life. For instance, Kant’s statement that one should act using humanity and never treat others merely as a means reminds me of the significance of valuing each human being (Afroogh et al., 2021). In particular, Kant’s deontology ethics can be useful at current times during the spread of COVID-19 when making decisions regarding saving lives (Afroogh et al., 2021). I can employ the categorical imperative in circumstances of confusion to remember that every person is unique and must be appreciated.

Understanding more about the two issues discussed above can help me become a better member of my community and a better global citizen by reminding me that many matters can be viewed from different perspectives. Nonetheless, distinct worldviews can lead to misunderstandings and confrontations between representatives of dissimilar cultures (Rachels, 2012). Accordingly, considerable quarrels can arise because numerous people live in echo chambers and epistemic bubbles (Nguyen, 2018). Each culture has unique customs and standpoints, yet individuals and communities often do not hear or trust those from the other side (Rachels, 2012; Nguyen, 2018). For example, people who read liberal news sources may not accept the presented ideas (Nguyen, 2018). Notably, while epistemic bubbles collapse relatively easily, echo chambers are stronger and more destructive (Nguyen, 2018). However, people in echo chambers are rather misinformed than irrational, and one can help them by diminishing the root causes and systems of discredit (Nguyen, 2018). Therefore, I can become a better person by spreading awareness about such topics as cultural views of female genital surgery, seeking the points of conflict, including threats and benefits, and assisting people in overcoming misunderstandings.

Having engaged with the topics examined throughout the course can connect to my life through interactions with different communities. For instance, my major involves individuals with various ethical principles, experiences, and cultural backgrounds. I know that I must act with respect toward each person’s struggles and endeavors. Moreover, my career aspirations require interacting with diverse people, and I understand that even within a professional environment, some of them may express their cultural beliefs and affect the working process. Accordingly, I have realized that I would need to be considerate but not accept behavior hindering workplace performance (Rachels, 2012). Finally, my lifelong pursuits are based on a desire to advance society. Therefore, I will strive to help people avoid miscommunication and escape echo chambers, whether in my personal relations or professional settings (Nguyen, 2018). The discussed humanities and ethical issues correspond to my life in varying degrees but made me realize that all perspectives matter.

References

Afroogh, S., Kazemi, A., & Seyedkazemi, A. (2021). COVID-19, scarce resources and priority ethics: Why should maximizers be more conservative? Ethics, Medicine and Public Health, 18, 1-6. Web.

Nguyen, T. (2018). Escape the echo chamber. Aeon. Web.

Rachels, J. (2012). The elements of moral philosophy (7th ed.). (S. Rachels, Ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

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