Question

Jainism has five ethical principles, the first of which is ahimsa, or, nonviolence towards all living creatures. Some Jains sweep the ground in front of them to avoid killing small insects. Jains are also strict vegetarians, and some reject the use of any animal products such as leather and jewelry. Do you think this kind of ethic is reasonable for all people or only a minority? Argue the case for or against such strict principles.

Answer 1

• In my opinion, I think ahimsa ethical principle is unreasonable for all people but can reasonable for this minority group.Jains believe that every living thing, no matter how small, has a soul and should not be harmed. This is why Jains are strict vegetarians.
• Jainism is a religion which doesnt forces any one to do anything,it depends on the individual to follow it or not.Traditionally,yes,all these principles are important to the Jain community but in today's time,some Jains have become non-vegetarians as well,which includes one of my known person as well.
• It's fine as a personal decision, but it is kind of unnatural. All of earth's creatures depend on each other for their livelihood, and they all eat each other for food, and they eliminate each other for living space, and people are no different.
• Just because we can think and therefore we can recognize how we compete against and consume other beings doesn't mean we are doing anything wrong. Nobody can survive eating dirt. Jains conveniently ignore the life in plants so that they can eat and destroy them with a clear conscience.
• So,these principles can be applied to people who want to follow them and not to everyone.Everyone has the right to follow what they want to,including their food preferences and lifestyle.Eventhough,these ethical priniciples are a good way of life,since violence of any kind is unethical,but thats unrealistic as well. We cant possibly save all the animals around the world,it could become dangerous for human kind.
• So,if a minority of them are following these rules,they can but it cannot be applied to everyone.