It is the view that all beliefs, customs, and ethics are relative to the individual within his social context.
Cultural relativism
In other words, “right” and
“wrong” are _________.
Culture-specific
It is the view that one particular ethnic group is somehow superior to all others.
Ethnocentrism
A common idiom is ________. In this
context, ethnocentrism is the view that a particular ethnic group’s system of beliefs and values is morally superior to all others.
“Tunnel vision”
In England, many believed that the darker a person is the __________ they are.
“Dirtier and impure”
Argument from facts about differences between cultural outlooks to making conclusions about the status of morality.
Theory on the Nature of Morality
Consequences of Accepting Cultural Relativism:
- We could no longer say that the customs of other societies are morally inferior to those of others.
- We could decide whether actions are right or wrong just by consulting the standards of our society.
- The idea of moral progress is called into doubt.
According to the WHO, excision is widespread in __ African countries and 2 million girls are excised each year.
26
Consequences of Excision:
- Painful
- Results in permanent loss of sexual pleasure
- Hemorrhage
- Tetanus
- Septicemia
- Death
- Chronic infections
- Hinder walking
- Chronic pain
Is excision, harmful or helpful?
Cultural relativists would conclude that excision has been practiced for centuries and we should not intervene and change ancient ways.
“The only absolute truth is _____, and death is the only way to stop change.”
Change
