The Ethical Dilemma of Hunting: Subsistence, Commercial, and Sport Hunting
1. Hunting: then and now
In the early ages, hunting was a means of subsistence; it was a way to get food and other materials necessary for human life. Over time, however, hunting has regenerated into other aspects such as leisure and commerce, giving the activity a new dimension different from what it was in early ages. This new dimension of hunting has brought with it new ethical considerations that were not previously present. In this essay, I will explore the ethical dilemma of hunting, focusing on three main types of hunting: subsistence hunting, commercial hunting, and general sport hunting. I will also discuss the characteristics of an ethical hunter and the role of capability in ethical considerations of hunting.
2. The ethical dilemma of hunting
The ethical dilemma of hunting arises from the fact that human beings have a long history of valuing and respecting animals, but we also have a long history of killing animals for various reasons. The question then becomes: is it ever ethical to kill an animal? There are many different perspectives on this question, and there is no easy answer.
On one hand, some people argue that it is never ethical to kill an animal because all animals have a right to life. This perspective is based on the belief that all animals are sentient beings and that they should therefore be treated with respect and consideration. From this perspective, killing an animal is equivalent to taking a life, which is something that should only be done in exceptional circumstances.
On the other hand, others argue that it can be ethical to kill an animal under certain circumstances. This perspective takes into account the fact that humans have been killing animals for subsistence since the beginning of our species. For many people who hold this perspective, killing an animal is only acceptable if it is done for a good reason, such as food or self-defense. Moreover, they argue that it is important to kill animals humanely so that their suffering is minimized.
The truth is that there is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on each individual’s values and beliefs about animals and about killing in general. However, I believe that it is possible to make some generalizations about when killing an animal is or is not ethically permissible.
3. Subsistence hunting
Subsistence hunting is defined as “the taking of wildlife primarily for food or other necessities of life by people with little or no monetary income” (Paola et al., 2010, p. 5). This type of hunting still exists today in some parts of the world, although it has declined significantly in recent years due to the development of alternative sources of food such as agriculture and supermarkets. In many cases, subsistence hunters are indigenous people who have been living off the land for generations.
From an ethical standpoint, subsistence hunting can be justified on the basis that it is necessary for the survival of those who practice it. If someone does not have access to alternative sources of food, then they may have no choice but to hunt in order to eat. In these cases, killing an animal could be seen as being ethically preferable to letting the person starve to death. Moreover, subsistence hunters typically have a great deal of respect for the animals they hunt and they use all parts of the Animal so as not to waste anything (Paola et al., 2010).
However, some people would argue that subsistence hunting is never ethically acceptable because it involves taking a life unnecessarily. Even if someone is starving, they could still choose to eat plants or other non-animal foods instead of killing an animal. Moreover, some subsistence hunters do not use all parts of the animal, which suggests that they do not have the same level of respect for animals as those who only hunt for subsistence.
4. Commercial hunting
Commercial hunting is defined as “the taking of wildlife primarily for the purpose of selling the animals or their parts” (Paola et al., 2010, p. 5). This type of hunting has become increasingly common in recent years as the global demand for meat and other animal products has grown. In many cases, commercial hunters are professional hunters who are paid to kill animals.
From an ethical standpoint, commercial hunting can be justified on the basis that it provides a valuable service to society. The meat and other products that are obtained from commercial hunting are used by people all over the world, and they play an important role in the economy. Moreover, commercial hunting can be seen as a form of animal husbandry, which is ethically permissible if it is done in a humane way.
However, some people would argue that commercial hunting is never ethically acceptable because it involves taking a life unnecessarily. Animals killed in commercial hunts are typically killed for their meat or other body parts, which means that they could have been spared if we did not consume these products. In addition, commercial hunting often takes place in a way that is not humane, such as in factory farms or in the wild where animals are killed without being given a chance to escape.
5. General sport hunting
General sport hunting is defined as “the taking of wildlife primarily for recreation or trophies” (Paola et al., 2010, p. 5). This type of hunting has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people have begun to see it as a leisure activity. In many cases, general sport hunters are people who pay to hunt animals in order to obtain trophies or to experience the thrill of the kill.
From an ethical standpoint, general sport hunting can be justified on the basis that it provides a valuable service to society. The trophies and other products that are obtained from general sport hunting are used by people all over the world, and they play an important role in the economy. Moreover, general sport hunting can be seen as a form of animal husbandry, which is ethically permissible if it is done in a humane way.
However, some people would argue that general sport hunting is never ethically acceptable because it involves taking a life unnecessarily. Animals killed in general sport hunts are typically killed for their trophies or other body parts, which means that they could have been spared if we did not value these products. In addition, general sport hunting often takes place in a way that is not humane, such as in factory farms or in the wild where animals are killed without being given a chance to escape.
6. The ethical hunter: courteous and considerate
As we have seen, there are many different perspectives on the ethics of hunting. However, I believe that there are some general characteristics that an ethical hunter should possess. First and foremost, an ethical hunter should be courteous and considerate towards animals. This means that they should only kill animals when it is absolutely necessary and they should take care to minimize the animals’ suffering.
In addition, an ethical hunter should be capable of killing an animal humanely. This means that they should have the knowledge and skills necessary to kill an animal quickly and without causing undue suffering. Finally, an ethical hunter should be respectful of the animals they hunt and of the environment in which they hunt. This means that they should only take what they need and they should not pollute or damage the environment in any way.
7. Capability as an ethical consideration in hunting
As we have seen, there are many different perspectives on the ethics of hunting. One of the main considerations in these debates is the question of whether or not it is ever ethically permissible to kill an animal. Another important consideration is the question of whether or not it is ever ethically permissible to allow someone who is not capable of killing an animal humanely to hunt.
I believe that capability should be taken into account when considering the ethics of hunting. This is because someone who is not capable of killing an animal humanely is more likely to cause the animal unnecessary suffering. In addition, someone who is not capable of hunting humanely is more likely to pollute or damage the environment in which they are hunting.
8. Conclusion
In conclusion, hunting has regenerated into other aspects such as leisure and commerce, giving the activity a new dimension different from what it was in early ages. This new dimension of hunting has brought with it new ethical considerations that were not previously present. The ethical dilemma of hunting arises from the fact that human beings have a long history of valuing and respecting animals, but we also have a long history of killing animals for various reasons. The truth is that there is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on each individual’s values and beliefs about animals and about killing in general.