12 Questions (page 431)

1. Do we have a moral responsibility towards less fortunate people?

Answer: Yes we do. We should have moral responsibility towards less fortunate people as we believe they are like us: Humans. It isn't right that we should leave them alone, as how would they survive the perils that come about them?

2. Is it wrong to divulge a secret someone has confided in you?

Answer: It's best to keep a secret a secret. It is not right to disclose it to other people, as it can potentially break a long or short friendship. A clear example of this is when your best friend tells you and only you that he is gay, and he tells you to keep it a secret. Therefore, telling other people that your best friend is gay can cause major damage, as it will not only sever the friendship, but can possibly make him feel bad.

3. Should we eat meat? Should we wear animal skins?

Answer: It all depends. Eating meat is okay as long as the animal involved is NOT endangered. They can reproduce anyway. However is not right if the animal involved is an endangered species (ex. Panda). That is a crime to do so. And as for animal skins, it's the same with food, however most companies would use the ones from endangered animals, and it's not right.

4. Should we try to keep people alive at all costs, no matter what their physical or mental conditon?

Answer: It is better if they die of old age then to die all of a sudden. They have a legacy and a family. This is all true except on the case of euthanasia. If the person wants to die because he can't take it any more, so be it (euthanasia). To cut it short, keep them alive at all costs. They are loved, and the conditions don't matter.

5. Is it wrong to kill someone in self-defense?

Answer: It is not wrong to do so in self-defence. Some killings are premeditated, others have a self-defence claim. It is not wrong, and with sufficient evidence, the killer of the killer (whose intent is premeditated) can be acquitted due to that claim. To cut it short, it's not wrong.

6. Should people be given equal opportunities, regardless of race, religion, or gender?

Answer: We are all born equal. It's not about the race, gender or religion. We die the same way. It's not right that we should see Muslims as terrorists, nor see black people as criminals. In all honesty, even Asians commit terrorist attacks (2003 JW Marriott bombing) an so do the whites (Holocaust, The Kray Twins, Gary Ridgway).

7. Is it wrong to ridicule someone even if you believe it's in "good fun"?

Answer: Ridiculing someone is NEVER fun. That, in any way, hurts the person, even if it is true. That is called sadism, and that other people see it as twisted. It is as if you are making that person a toy. They are NOT meant to be played.

8. Should you "bend the rules" to advance your career?

Answer: There is always a reason why rules are made. And that is to guide. You can break/bend them once in a while, however you should be careful.

9. Is it all right to manipulate people into doing what you want if you believe it's for theie own good?

Answer: . No, it isn't right, as I believe they have a plan for you, say your parents. You choose to party when your parents say no for your own good. Manipulating them to grant your wishes can destroy your future. Your grades will drop, and that is bad.

10 Is there anything wrong with pornography?

Answer: There is NOTHING WRONG with porn. Though it shows extreme lust and uncensored content, it provides a sexual object just as with prostitutes. It is best when watched privately. Though it may look gross to some, others find it arousing.

11. Should we always try to take other people's needs into consideration when we act or should we first make sure that our own needs taken care of?

Answer: It mostly depends on the situation. An example would be trying to give way when you are in a vehicle. You are rushing to get to work when all of a sudden, a disabled person crosses the street. Considering that your lateness is minor, you would rather give way and help him. Kindness can last longer than just a warning.

12. Should we experiment with the animals in order to improbe the quality of our lives?

Answer: No. Animals' rights to a life free of pain outweighs our desire to have small comforts in our lives. However, if we are talking about truly improving our health, we should have the right to experiment on animals. If we can cure a disease, or find a way to reduce pain in human beings, we should experiment on animals to do so. Thus, animal experimentation should be conducted as long as the benefit to humans is an important one.