Cultural Relativism and Skepticism Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is cultural relativism primarily concerned with?

Establishing a universal moral code

Promoting ethnocentrism

Understanding cultures on their own terms (correct)

Criticizing cultural practices

Which of the following practices exemplifies cultural relativism?

Criticizing arranged marriages in other cultures

Advocating for a single global religion

Comparing cultural practices to establish superiority

Accepting same-sex friends holding hands in public as normal (correct)

How does cultural relativism aim to counteract ethnocentrism?

By fostering understanding of unfamiliar cultural practices (correct)

By encouraging cultural comparison

By establishing a hierarchy of cultures

By promoting absolute moral standards

When was the concept of cultural relativism established as an analytic tool?

In the early 20th century Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant weakness of cultural relativism?

It may compromise action to protect human rights. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential benefit of cultural relativism?

It allows individuals to practice their beliefs without fear of judgment Signup and view all the answers

What does skepticism primarily challenge?

The reliability of knowledge claims. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of skepticism suggests that we might know much less than we think?

Philosophical skepticism Signup and view all the answers

Which theory stands in opposition to cultural relativism?

Ethnocentrism Signup and view all the answers

What does cultural relativism imply about the validity of different cultural beliefs?

All cultural beliefs are equally valid Signup and view all the answers

How is cultural relativism related to moral skepticism?

Both reject the notion of objective truths. Signup and view all the answers

What does objectivism claim about human knowledge and values?

They exist independently and can be discovered. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does cultural relativism have on societal definitions of right and wrong?

It eliminates rigid definitions of ethics Signup and view all the answers

What is a possibility if cultural relativism is true, according to its critics?

Social reform cannot occur effectively. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the concept of absolute skepticism?

It holds that nothing can be known at all. Signup and view all the answers

What perspective on ethics does cultural relativism adopt?

Morality is dependent on cultural context. Signup and view all the answers

What does Objectivism primarily emphasize as a human ability?

Free will and the use of reason Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four basic values of Objectivism?

Community Signup and view all the answers

How does Objectivism view the relationship between reason and individual choice?

Man has the choice to use reason or not Signup and view all the answers

According to Objectivism, what is an example of an action that aligns with its principles?

Pursuing self-sustenance for long-term happiness Signup and view all the answers

What stance does moral objectivism take regarding moral principles?

They exist independently of human opinion Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of intuitionism in metaethics?

Moral statements can be known through rational intuition Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an objectivist view from a subjectivist view?

Objectivism claims meaning can be studied objectively Signup and view all the answers

Which quote reflects a principle of moral objectivism?

It is morally wrong to manipulate others for gain Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cultural Relativism

Ethical and social standards vary by cultural context; cultural relativism emphasizes understanding cultural practices on their own terms.
Aims to counter ethnocentrism, promoting acceptance of diverse cultural practices such as same-sex friends holding hands or arranged marriages.
Suggests that no culture is superior to another; all beliefs are valid and should be tolerated.
Key proponent: Franz Boas, a German-American anthropologist who established cultural relativism as an analytic tool.
Benefits include the removal of rigid ethical frameworks, allowing individuals to freely practice their beliefs and cultural heritage.
Critics argue cultural relativism can lead to quietism, inhibiting human rights advocacy, and poses challenges for moral progress.

Skepticism

Defined as the attitude of doubting knowledge claims across various fields; encourages questioning the basis of truth claims.
Types of skepticism:
- Common sense skepticism: daily, natural skepticism.
- Philosophical skepticism: the belief that we know significantly less than we think we do.
- Absolute skepticism: the extreme form of skepticism, questioning all knowledge.
Links to moral skepticism: some endorse cultural relativism, positing that morality is relative to culture rather than individual beliefs.

Objectivism

Derives from the belief in objective knowledge and values that exist independent of individual thought.
Key proponent: Ayn Rand, who advocated for pursuing personal happiness and respecting others.
Emphasizes free will; individuals choose whether to think and use reason.
Central values of objectivism:
- Freedom
- Achievement
- Individualism
- Reason
Moral objectivism asserts the existence of universal moral principles valid for all, such as the wrongness of torturing others for pleasure or the obligation to honor contracts.

Intuitionism

Defined as the immediate understanding of basic truths without conscious reasoning.
In metaethics, asserts that moral statements can be intuitively known to be true or false through rational intuition.
Intuitionism emphasizes personal feelings, thoughts, and attitudes as sources of moral knowledge.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of cultural relativism and skepticism, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural practices and questioning knowledge claims. It examines the perspectives of key figures like Franz Boas and discusses the implications of these philosophical approaches on ethics and human rights.