Question

Briefly explain Cultural Relativism. Describe at least one objection to Cultural Relativism.

Briefly explain Cultural Relativism. Describe at least one objection to Cultural Relativism.

Homework Answers

Answer #1
  • Cultural Relativism is the view that no culture is superior to any other culture when comparing systems of morality, law, politics, etc. Therefore all cultural beliefs are equally valid and truth itself is relative, depending on the cultural environment, be it religious, ethical, aesthetic, or political beliefs. They are completely relative to the individual within a cultural identity.
  • Cultural relativism is the view that all beliefs, customs, and ethics are relative to the individual within his own social context. In other words, “right” and “wrong” are culture-specific; what is considered moral in one society may be considered immoral in another, and, since no universal standard of morality exists, no one has the right to judge another society’s customs.
  • Objection-
  • Though helpful as an explanation of other cultures, it does not justify them. This view may help us to understand why cultures have accepted cannibalism, slavery, sexism, racism, genital mutilation, having no human rights, etc., but it does not give a good argument as to why these actions are ever moral.
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