Cultural Differences and Moral Truths

Questions and Answers

What does Cultural Relativism suggest is the only way to improve a society?

By making the society align with its own ideals (correct)

By completely transforming societal structures

By imposing external ideals and standards

By promoting universal values among all cultures

Why do many people reject Cultural Relativism according to the content?

It allows for rigid adherence to harmful practices like slavery (correct)

It emphasizes the importance of scientific reasoning

It encourages cultural homogeneity across societies

It promotes a one-size-fits-all approach to moral values

What is often misunderstood about the differences between cultures?

Cultural morality is often universally accepted

Cultures always share the same religious beliefs

Values of societies are entirely based on material conditions

Differences in customs indicate differences in values (correct)

Which reason is given for why people in some cultures may not eat certain animals?

Their religious beliefs associate those animals with human souls Signup and view all the answers

What is a reason the content provides for differing customs in societies?

Religious beliefs and physical environment Signup and view all the answers

How do the values of a culture relate to its customs according to the passage?

Customs can exist independently of societal values Signup and view all the answers

What example is given to illustrate a significant cultural difference concerning values?

The practice of infant killing among the Eskimos Signup and view all the answers

What underlying theme is suggested about moral disagreements across cultures?

They often stem from misunderstandings rather than actual value differences Signup and view all the answers

What must be a tradition in any enduring culture for its young to survive?

Care for its children Signup and view all the answers

Why is honesty viewed as essential in society?

It ensures successful communication Signup and view all the answers

What would be a likely result in a society that places no value on truthfulness?

Difficulties in communication Signup and view all the answers

What outcome would result from a society with no rules against murder?

Formation of smaller, safe groups Signup and view all the answers

What is stated as not being common in successful cultures?

Neglecting older generations Signup and view all the answers

What does the need for prohibitions against murder imply for societal structures?

Certain moral rules are necessary for society to exist Signup and view all the answers

What common goals contribute to shared values in societies?

Need for clean water and good health care Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following moral rules is universally present across cultures?

Prohibition against lying Signup and view all the answers

What is a more accurate term for 'female circumcision' as referred to in Western contexts?

Excision Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can be drawn about cultural differences in moral rules?

Most cultures share some fundamental moral rules Signup and view all the answers

What does the Cultural Differences Argument attempt to achieve?

To suggest that the lack of consensus equates to the absence of moral truths. Signup and view all the answers

How did Fauziya Kassindja manage to avoid excision initially?

Her father's wealth and influence Signup and view all the answers

What controversy surrounded Fauziya Kassindja's asylum case?

The justification of excision in her culture Signup and view all the answers

According to Cultural Relativism, how should we view moral practices of different societies?

As equally valid regardless of their nature. Signup and view all the answers

How many women globally are estimated to have undergone excision?

Over 200 million Signup and view all the answers

What might be a consequence of accepting Cultural Relativism?

We cannot criticize harmful practices in other cultures. Signup and view all the answers

What perspective did some observers express regarding cultural practices like excision?

They are comparable to customs in other cultures Signup and view all the answers

What is a major critique against Cultural Relativism as per the content?

It struggles to address universally recognized injustices. Signup and view all the answers

William Graham Sumner's perspective on Cultural Relativism emphasizes which of the following?

Right and wrong are determined solely by society's folkways. Signup and view all the answers

What experience did Fauziya Kassindja endure during her 18-month imprisonment in America?

Subjected to humiliating strip searches Signup and view all the answers

Which area is NOT mentioned as a place where excision occurs?

North America Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Cultural Relativism affect the criticism of oppressive practices?

It mandates silence when confronted with injustice. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied if one accepts Cultural Relativism's stance on morality?

Moral standings can vary greatly without being wrong. Signup and view all the answers

What stance does Cultural Relativism take regarding the morality of the Chinese government's practices?

They can be viewed as acceptable within their cultural context. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary health risks associated with excision?

Permanent loss of sexual pleasure Signup and view all the answers

Why might some defend the practice of excision despite its harmful effects?

It is believed to prevent promiscuity. Signup and view all the answers

What question can be used to evaluate the practice of excision from a culture-independent perspective?

Does it promote or hinder the welfare of those affected? Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about the social benefits of excision?

It has no obvious social benefits. Signup and view all the answers

What might discourage individuals from condemning excision despite its harmful effects?

Fear of cultural criticism. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a claimed benefit of excision according to its defenders?

Improved sexual health. Signup and view all the answers

How is excision viewed by some men according to the content?

As a sign of maturity in women. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the short-term effects of excision mentioned in the content?

Severe bleeding. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cultural Relativism and Moral Truths

Cultural Differences Argument fails to establish universal moral truths based solely on disagreement among societies.
Even if Cultural Relativism were accepted, it would prevent criticism of harmful practices, such as political oppression.

Consequences of Cultural Relativism

Prohibits declaring other societies' customs as morally inferior, creating challenges in condemning oppressive actions like those of the Chinese government.
Limits social reform ideas to merely aligning ideals within a society without challenging the ideals themselves.
Cultural Relativism contradicts the widely accepted belief in the moral progress represented by the abolition of slavery.

Overstated Cultural Differences

Cultural differences in morality may be exaggerated; seemingly significant differences often stem from underlying shared values or beliefs.
Example: A society that prohibits eating cows might hold this belief due to cultural values, not differing morals.

Essential Moral Rules Across Cultures

Fundamental moral rules such as prohibitions against murder and lying are necessary for societal existence.
Societies must value qualities like truthfulness for communication and cohesion; differing customs do not equal differing values.

Shared Human Values

Many societal values, such as the desire for clean water and good healthcare, are common due to shared human needs and nature.

Case Study: Female Genital Mutilation (Excision)

Excision affects over 200 million women, conducted in various countries often as part of cultural rituals.
Fauziya Kassindja fled Togo to escape excision; her story highlights the clash between cultural practices and human rights.
Excision is painful, leads to health risks, and has no clear social benefits, raising ethical concerns.

Assessing Cultural Practices

Justifying excision with claims of benefiting society fails morally; the welfare of affected individuals must be considered.
A potential culture-independent moral standard assesses whether a practice promotes or hinders the welfare of individuals affected.

Reluctance to Critique Other Cultures

Even those horrified by practices like excision hesitate to condemn them due to fears of imposing one's cultural standards or misunderstanding the nuances of other cultures.

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Description

Explore the complexities surrounding the Cultural Differences Argument and its implications on moral truths. This quiz examines the idea that disagreement among societies does not necessarily lead to valid moral conclusions. Delve deeper into the nuances of cultural perspectives and ethics.