Moral Issues on Case Analysis on the Makah Tribe Essay Example
Moral Issues on Case Analysis on the Makah Tribe Essay Example

Moral Issues on Case Analysis on the Makah Tribe Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (592 words)
  • Published: January 21, 2022
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Considering case 1, p. 60 of ‘Thinking Critically About Ethical Issues’ by Vincent Ruggiero, this paper highlights the moral issues in the case. I also explain these issues in terms of utility, duties and rights. I discuss the parties involved as well as their involvement in the moral issues discussed in the paper.

The Makah tribe seeks to violate animal rights. They claim to have hunted gray whales for over 2000 years and are ready to proceed with this hunt, given the opportunity. The tribe is insensitive to the fact that animals also have a right to life, which should not be violated whichever the circumstances. Despite the law act that only permits them to kill not more than five whales, there is a high chance of violation of this law. This is due to the fact that the tribe used

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to hunt whales for a long time for survival. Also, majority of the members of the tribe want to proceed with the hunt.

Environmentalism, is also a major issue addressed in this case. The hunt had earlier on stopped, due to decline in the number of gray whales. If the hunt is resumed, it may also lead to another decline in the number of whales. Scientifically, it is a major ecological hazard and is likely to bring out a negative environmental impact. The environmental community argues that the whales have a right to life and existence on the planet. The intention of the Makah tribe to keep hunting gray whales questions their morals, especially on respect to animal life and the environment in general.

Selfishness is displayed, as the tribe is only concerned about keeping the tribe’

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pride, discipline and traditions. The tribe has survived most of the twentieth century without hunting whales. This means they have other ways of survival. They can get other sources of food and still survive like they have done most of the twentieth century. They use the power of their leaders for conviction that they will not kill any pregnant or nursing females. However, their word is certainly not an assurance. Even some of the tribe’s elders oppose the hunt, claiming that for years, the tribe has survived without the hunt.

Fairness is not observed by the Makah since they only seek to address themselves. The tribe’s argument only favors them. It’s about their pride, discipline, rights, courage as well as their survival. Their claim is only for their good and not of others. Their demand is in this case not beneficial to members of other tribes and society at large. It shows imprudence as they only seek to enhance their survival.
Another moral issue displayed is justice. The law has figured out that it would not be fair to let the Makah tribe hunt the gray whales limitlessly. They therefore have a law that only allows them to kill fewer than five whales. This is in a quest to show justice, both for the animals and the tribe. Hunting the whales without a limit is likely to cause a decline in number of the whales, hence the law tends to curb this and exhibit justice.

Regarding the moral issues discussed above, it is therefore appropriate for nonmembers of the Makah tribe to evaluate their morality, considering their intention to resume the hunting of the gray whales. The tribe

has violated society’s major moral obligations, which is unfair.

Works Cited

  1. Ruggiero, Vincent R. Thinking Critically About Ethical Issues. , 2014. Print.
  2. Vaughn, Lewis. Doing Ethics: Moral Reasoning and Contemporary Issues, a Moral Theory Primer. , 2013. Print.
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