Openly Performed Cultural Practice: Killing Dogs for Consumption
In the place where I grew up, it is a common practice to kill dogs for consumption, particularly during special occasions. However, I find this practice to be immoral. Regardless of how humanely an animal is treated in the process, the act of raising and killing it for food remains morally wrong. I believe that inflicting torture on any living being, whether human or nonhuman, is immoral.
Prohibited Cultural Practice: Wearing Revealing Clothes
On the other hand, a cultural practice that is prohibited in my place but I consider to be moral is wearing revealing clothes. I believe that wearing revealing clothes does not make someone immoral. What may be revealing to one person may be comfortable and acceptable for someone else. As long as wearing revealing clothes does not harm or disrespect others, I do not consider it to be immoral.
Reflecting on Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development, I believe that the highest stage I have reached so far is Stage 4, which focuses on the maintenance of social rules and laws. I have been able to maintain at this stage for a long time by adhering to societal laws and regulations. I consider rules and laws essential for maintaining social order, which is why I make a conscious effort to follow them in various aspects of my life.
In making decisions, I tend to rely on my mind (reasoning) rather than my heart (feelings). I strongly believe that using our mind and reasoning leads to the right decisions. While there have been situations where my heart wanted to make a different decision, I have found that following my mind has led to more prudent and thoughtful choices, especially in important matters.
In Plato's Allegory of the Cave, the prisoners are shackled in a dark cave, where their perception of reality is limited to shadows and echoes. The shadows represent wrongful thinking and the inability to see things objectively, which are impediments to ethical decision-making. The allegory emphasizes the importance of unshackling ourselves from false perceptions and striving towards higher ideals to make ethical decisions.
When faced with a dilemma between my individual happiness and the happiness of the majority, I would prioritize the happiness of the majority. This decision is based on the belief that contributing to the well-being of a larger group brings about a more significant and lasting impact than solely focusing on individual happiness. Contributing to the happiness of the majority aligns with my personal values and ethical considerations.
