Which country is not represented among the climbing parties in the parable of the Sadhu?

Social Studies · College · Mon Jan 18 2021

Answered on

The parable of the Sadhu, told by Bowen H. McCoy, does not explicitly list all the nationalities of the climbing parties involved. However, it mentions several groups or individuals, such as Americans, New Zealanders, Swiss, and Japanese. The story is used as an ethical case study and does not aim to represent all countries. It's possible that many other countries are not represented among the climbing parties, as the story focuses on the interaction between the groups that were present rather than providing a comprehensive list of nationalities.

The parable of the Sadhu is an ethical case that explores the dilemma faced by a group of climbers, including McCoy, when they encounter a holy man (the Sadhu) in distress in the Himalayas. Each group or individual reacts differently to the Sadhu's needs, raising questions about individual and group ethical responsibility, moral decision-making, and the tension between personal goals and acting for the welfare of others.

In the context of ethics for students, this story can be used to discuss the importance of ethical decision-making, the concept of moral responsibility within groups versus individuals, and the challenge of balancing self-interest and altruism. It helps to spark discussions about how different cultural backgrounds and value systems can influence ethical choices. Additionally, the story demonstrates that situations with immediate moral implications often require quick decisions, wherein hindsight might reveal the ethical considerations more clearly. It can serve as an important lesson in personal and organizational ethics, showcasing that often the right course of action is not easy to decide upon or carry out within complex social dynamics.