Rachels Cultural Relativism

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Questions and Answers

Herodotus's story of the Greeks and Callatians primarily serves to illustrate what concept in social science?

The historical accuracy of ancient Greek writings on foreign cultures.
The vast diversity in moral codes and practices between different cultures. (correct)
The universal agreement on proper treatment of the deceased across all cultures.
The inherent superiority of one culture's practices over another's.

The Eskimo practices of infanticide and senicide challenge what common assumption held by the general public?

That harsh environmental conditions always lead to a breakdown of social norms.
That all societies prioritize the preservation of life above all else. (correct)
That only technologically advanced societies have complex moral codes.
That familial bonds are universally strong and protective in all cultures.

What is the initial, common reaction of the 'general public' upon learning about cultural practices like those of the Eskimos, according to the text?

Intense curiosity to learn more about the historical context.
Immediate acceptance and understanding of the cultural differences.
Recognition that their own way of living may not be universally applicable.
Categorization of such cultures as 'backward' or 'primitive'. (correct)

How do anthropologists and sociologists generally view the practices of cultures like the Eskimos, in contrast to the 'general public'?

With objective interest and a lack of surprise. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The juxtaposition of Greek and Callatian burial customs highlights that moral beliefs are often...

Subjective and rooted in cultural tradition. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the central theme when different cultures have different moral codes?

Moral codes reflect a society's specific values and circumstances. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the values of a society that practices infanticide or senicide under certain conditions?

They prioritize the well-being of the community over individual survival. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What underlying assumption is challenged when considering the ethical implications of cultural relativism?

There are universal, objective moral standards that apply to all societies. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to Cultural Relativism, what is the primary criterion for determining the morality of an action?

Whether the action conforms to the moral code of one's society. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A society adhering to Cultural Relativism discovers that it is not fully achieving its stated ideals. According to Cultural Relativism, what kind of social reform is permissible?

Reform aimed at aligning practices with the society's own ideals. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Many thinkers reject Cultural Relativism because it seems to imply that:

Certain practices, like slavery, cannot be universally condemned. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea of Cultural Relativism?

Moral rightness and wrongness are relative to specific cultures. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why might differences in customs between societies not necessarily indicate a fundamental disagreement in values?

Because customs can be influenced by factors like religious beliefs and physical circumstances. (D) Signup and view all the answers

If a society's moral code supports racial segregation, what would Cultural Relativism suggest about the morality of this practice?

It is morally permissible within that society. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to Cultural Relativism, how should a society's ideals be regarded?

They are, by definition, correct. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of Cultural Relativism on judging practices in other cultures?

It deems judging other cultures as impermissible. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Where does the notion of right originate?

Within the folkways themselves, as part of tradition. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is Cultural Relativism's stance on universal moral truth?

It challenges the belief in universal moral truths, stating that only cultural codes exist. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between cultural codes in Cultural Relativism?

Cultural codes are viewed as distinct, with no code having special status over others. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method used by cultural relativists to support their claims?

Arguing from the differences between cultural outlooks to conclusions about morality. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the argument from cultural differences not necessarily undermine objective morality?

Because disagreements can still mean that one party is objectively wrong. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the author's approach to Cultural Relativism?

Identification of both correct and mistaken aspects of Cultural Relativism through rational analysis. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between folkways and individual moral testing?

Folkways are not subject to external moral testing; whatever exists within them is considered right. (D) Signup and view all the answers

If two cultures disagree on a fundamental moral practice, what conclusion can be validly drawn according to the arguments presented?

One of the cultures could be objectively wrong in their belief or practice. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Cultural Relativism suggests that moral views are primarily a reflection of what?

The prejudices and conditioning of one's society. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Herodotus's anecdote about the Greeks and Callatians primarily serves to illustrate what concept?

The human tendency to favor one's own cultural norms. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason the text suggests Cultural Relativism can be appealing, despite its shortcomings?

It acknowledges that many seemingly natural practices are actually cultural constructs. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Adopting a culturally relativistic perspective can lead to what beneficial outcome?

A greater openness to understanding different viewpoints. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why might someone instinctively resist the suggestion that a social code is not the best?

Because their feelings may be a result of cultural conditioning. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the crucial warning given about feelings regarding contentious topics such as homosexuality?

Feelings may simply be the result of cultural conditioning and not truth. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What points can be accepted without fully embracing Cultural Relativism?

The notion that cultural products shape what seems natural. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best encapsulates the antidote Cultural Relativism offers against dogmatism?

Highlighting the role of societal prejudices in shaping moral viewpoints. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the principles of Cultural Relativism, what is the primary reason one society should avoid condemning the practices of another?

Each society's practices are valid within its own cultural context, making external judgment inappropriate. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios poses the greatest challenge to the core tenets of Cultural Relativism?

A society that prohibits women from owning property or participating in political processes. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If Cultural Relativism is strictly applied, what conclusion must be drawn about judging historical societal norms by contemporary standards?

Judging past norms by present standards is a mistake because past norms aligned with their own societal standards. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the central issue when considering 'progress' through the lens of Cultural Relativism?

The difficulty in establishing objective, cross-cultural standards for evaluating societal change. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why might judging a society that was violently anti-Semitic be problematic from a Cultural Relativist perspective?

Because Cultural Relativism asserts that no transcultural standard exists to deem one society morally superior to another. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Consider a society that engages in slave-taking. According to Cultural Relativism, what prevents external observers from declaring this practice as inherently wrong?

Cultural Relativism requires that moral evaluations be based on internal values and norms, not external ones. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Cultural Relativism, what is implied when claiming that a society tolerant of all religions is 'better' than one that is violently anti-Semitic?

It implies a transcultural standard of comparison, which Cultural Relativism generally rejects. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the example of women's historical lack of rights in Western societies challenge Cultural Relativism when considering societal progress?

It raises the question of whether some universal values exist that make certain societal changes inherently progressive, regardless of cultural context. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the central argument presented regarding cultural practices like infanticide among the Eskimos?

It represents drastic measures sometimes needed for family survival, not a different attitude toward children. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the higher rate of female infanticide in some societies that practice it?

To balance the population due to high casualty rates among male hunters, who are primary food providers. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author argue that truth-telling is a nearly universal value?

Because without a presumption of truth, communication and social coordination would be impossible. (A) Signup and view all the answers

The passage argues that the difference between cultures often lies in belief systems rather than values. Which scenario best illustrates this?

One culture believes cows are sacred and should not be eaten, while both cultures agree that harming elders is wrong. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most logical inference based on the argument presented in the text?

Despite differing practices, some underlying values are necessary for the survival and function of any society. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the author's reference to the high casualty rate among male hunters in Eskimo societies?

To illustrate a practical reason behind the practice of female infanticide in certain circumstances. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the relationship between values and customs, as suggested in the text?

Many factors, including belief systems, work together to shape customs within a society that are not separate from their values. (D) Signup and view all the answers

If a society were to completely disregard the well-being of its young, what outcome would the author most likely predict?

The society would likely not survive, since caring for the young is necessary for societal continuation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Folkways and Morality

Moral principles are embedded within a culture's traditions and customs.

Cultural Relativism

Challenges the idea of universal moral truths, stating morality varies across cultures.