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Who knows what's good or bad - Ethical Relativism

I love to introduce ethical relativism by telling the old Chinese horse story. 
 It’s a story my retired philosophy professor , Dear Dr. Duncan, used to enjoy telling to all his classes too.
I am pleased to continue his tradition.

 

 

A poor  old Chinese farmer's only possession is his one  prized horse

The horse runs away
The farmer says, "Oh, that's so BAD. I lost my only possession.  
  • The neighbor replies, "Who knows what's good or bad."
  
The next day the horse returns.
A wild herd of horses follows  filling up the fenced area.

The poor farmer is absolutely thrilled: "That's so GOOD, that's great" says the poor farmer
  • The neighbor replies, "Who knows what's good or bad."
The next day, the farmer's son rides the newly acquires horses and has a great time.

"Oh that's so GOOD" says the farmer.

But, a minute later, the son falls down and breaks his leg.

"Oh, that's so BAD says the farmer. I wish the herd hadn't come
  • The neighbor replies, "Who knows what's good or bad."
The next day the army charges through, looking for recruits. It is drafting healthy young men. The army asks to see the farmer's son.  The poor farmer replies, "You can see my son. He is not well. His leg is broken real BAD."

And to himself the old farmer muttered, "Oh, that's so GOOD."
  • The neighbor replies, "Who knows what's good or bad."
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Ethics Update - Horses and Ethics in the 21st Century

National Public Radio discussed an interesting article on horses stating that on Thursday, September 7, 2006,  the House voted " to ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption."  This  meat is sold overseas - to Europe and Asia - as a delicacy. 

Supporters say it is the humane act to perform on horses as they are  old and not wanted. Horses are private property and the government has better things to do than spend weeks discussing such issues and limiting our rights.

Opponents say slaughtering horses is inhumane and barbaric.

Make an argument for your stand & come up with rebuttals for the opposing view.

Source:  "House Bans Slaughter of Horses for Food," Morning Edition, September 8, 2006 ·  http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5786985   Listen to this story... by Luke Burbank 

 

Questions for Discussion:

Animal ethicists debate what should be done to "useless" animals.  What do you feel should be done to old race horses that can no longer win a race and that are becoming increasingly too expensive to feel and care for?  What about  vicious pit bulls - should these be put to sleep or allowed to dog fight?  What about the old sport of chicken fighting?  Are there any animals that should be allowed to  fight? Are there any that should be systematically killed because of overpopulation? What of insects on your property?  What gives an animal moral rights and moral standing?