Filipino Social Values and Relationships

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Questions and Answers

What does absolute cultural relativism assert regarding outsiders' views on cultural practices?

Outsiders are encouraged to criticize cultural practices.

Outsiders can only understand cultural practices from their own culture.

Outsiders should respect all cultural practices without question. (correct)

Outsiders must question cultural practices thoroughly.

Which statement aligns with the principles of cultural relativism?

The moral code of one's culture is superior to others.

Each culture's moral code is valid within its own context. (correct)

There is one universal moral truth accepted by all societies.

Cultural practices should be judged on universal standards.

What is a key characteristic of critical cultural relativism?

It insists on universal application of moral standards.

It avoids discussions on moral codes entirely.

It questions the power dynamics behind cultural practices. (correct)

It promotes absolute understanding of other cultures.

Which of these claims is NOT associated with cultural relativism?

One culture's code is superior to all others. Signup and view all the answers

According to cultural relativism, what is considered arrogant behavior?

Attempting to judge the conduct of other cultures. Signup and view all the answers

An example highlighting cultural relativism in food choices is seen in:

The distinction in breakfast types across cultures. Signup and view all the answers

What assumption is linked to cultural relativism regarding moral codes?

The moral code of one's society is unique and not superior. Signup and view all the answers

The belief that no moral truth holds for all people and times exemplifies which aspect of cultural relativism?

The acceptance of subjective truths. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary claim of cultural relativism?

Ethical practices vary among cultures. Signup and view all the answers

What does cultural relativism suggest about the study of cultures?

Cultures should be described and understood on their own terms. Signup and view all the answers

How does cultural relativism relate to ethnocentrism?

Cultural relativism is a reaction to ethnocentrism. Signup and view all the answers

According to cultural relativism, what can be said about the moral codes of different societies?

They derive their meaning from specific social contexts. Signup and view all the answers

What does moral relativism assert in relation to cultural practices?

Customary practices within a culture are seen as absolutely right. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common criticism of cultural relativism?

It can lead to moral nihilism. Signup and view all the answers

What concept directly opposes cultural relativism?

Ethnocentrism. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements aligns with the implications of cultural relativism?

No one culture can be deemed better or worse than another. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary principle of moral relativism?

The rightness or wrongness of actions depends on cultural norms. Signup and view all the answers

How does a moral relativist view the act of bribery in different cultures?

Bribery is considered culturally acceptable if practiced within the society. Signup and view all the answers

What is the essential quality that characterizes a sacred marriage among Filipinos?

It represents a covenant involving God. Signup and view all the answers

What does cultural relativism primarily seek to counteract?

Ethnocentrism. Signup and view all the answers

Ethnocentrism often leads to which of the following outcomes?

Incorrect assumptions about behaviors of other cultures. Signup and view all the answers

How do Filipinos typically view the death of a relative?

As an opportunity to reinforce family ties. Signup and view all the answers

What is one example illustrating cultural relativism?

Understanding why friends in India hold hands while walking in public. Signup and view all the answers

What follows immediately after the death of a person in Philippine culture?

A nine-day novena of prayers and masses. Signup and view all the answers

According to moral relativists, when is it morally obligatory for members of a culture to follow a principle?

When the culture itself sincerely adopts that principle. Signup and view all the answers

Why do some Filipinos comply with superstitious beliefs?

They believe there is no downside to complying. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of wearing a black rectangular plastic pin during mourning?

To indicate a state of bereavement. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes cultural relativism?

It endorses viewing and valuing cultural practices from their own perspective. Signup and view all the answers

In which situation would a moral relativist consider bribery to be acceptable?

When the local culture does not see it as morally wrong. Signup and view all the answers

What role do ancestors' beliefs play in Filipino customs?

They aim to explain phenomena and prevent danger. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary ancestry of Filipinos according to historical accounts?

The Malays from Southeastern Asia. Signup and view all the answers

What belief accompanies the 40-day mourning period in Filipino culture?

The belief that the soul ascends to Heaven after the mourning. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the compadre system in Filipino culture?

To build close relationships through godparenthood Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines utang-na-loob?

A sense of indebtedness and obligation to return favors Signup and view all the answers

How do Filipinos typically approach interpersonal relationships?

By prioritizing harmony and avoiding confrontation Signup and view all the answers

What does the term suki refer to in Filipino culture?

A special relationship between regular customers and vendors Signup and view all the answers

What kind of mentality does the term 'colonial mentality' describe in Filipino society?

A belief in the superiority of foreign culture over local culture Signup and view all the answers

What does the kanya-kanya syndrome highlight in terms of group behavior?

Tendency to prioritize personal interests over group welfare Signup and view all the answers

How do friendships function in Filipino society?

As relationships akin to extended family bonds Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential weakness noted in the Filipino character related to decision-making?

Passivity and lack of initiative in taking responsibility Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cultural Relativism: Definition & Implications

Cultural relativism asserts that ethical practices differ across cultures; what is right in one may be wrong in another.
Promotes the idea that no society is superior; cultures are simply different.
Encourages understanding cultures through their own values without imposing judgments from an outsider's perspective.

Types of Cultural Relativism

Absolute Cultural Relativism: Stipulates that outsiders should not question the practices of any culture.
Critical Cultural Relativism: Examines cultural practices with a focus on acceptance and the dynamics of power relationships.

Key Assumptions

Societies possess unique moral codes that are context-dependent.
No objective standard exists to judge one culture's moral code as superior to another's.
One's own culture's morals hold no unique status; they are one among many.
Belief in the absence of universal truths in ethics.

Illustrative Examples

Food choices illustrate cultural relativism; breakfast varies significantly between the U.S., Japan, and Colombia, highlighting cultural differences in dietary practices.
Ethical norms, such as bribery, are evaluated differently by cultural and moral relativists, who take local customs as definitive.

Cultural Relativism vs. Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism involves interpreting other cultures through the lens of one's own, often leading to biases.
Cultural relativism seeks to foster appreciation for diverse cultural practices from the perspective of the culture in question.
Example: Holding hands among friends in India signifies platonic affection, while it often denotes romantic relationships in the UK.

Controversy Surrounding Cultural Relativism

Cultural relativism faces criticism, especially from philosophers debating the limits of moral judgment.
Despite controversy, anthropological consensus supports the validity of cultural relativism as a framework for understanding cultural practices and moral codes.

Cultural Practices: Marriage and Death

Marriage: Viewed as a sacred union in Filipino culture, emphasizing love, commitment, and spirituality; regarded as a sacrament.
Death Rituals: Significant family events in the Philippines, involving reunions and unique practices like a nine-day novena followed by 40 days of mourning.

Filipino Society Dynamics

Reputation and Relationships: High value on reputation, self-respect, and smoothing interpersonal relationships to avoid conflict.
Compadre System: Strengthens bonds through mutual obligations formed by godparent relationships.
Utang-na-loob: Cultural principle of indebtedness deriving from received favors, fostering strong social connections.
Suki Relationship: Trust-based dynamic between customers and vendors, emphasizing loyalty and special treatment in commerce.
Friendship: Considered strongly as kinship; friends provide emotional, social, and financial support.

Weaknesses in Filipino Character

Passivity and Lack of Initiative: Hesitation to act independently, often due to societal respect for authority.
Colonial Mentality: Preference for foreign goods and cultures, believing them to be superior due to historical colonization.
Kanya-kanya Syndrome: Tendencies to prioritize individual gain over communal welfare, impacting group cohesion.

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Description

This quiz explores the essential social values of Filipinos, including the significance of reputation, harmonious interpersonal relationships, and the personal alliance system. Understanding these aspects is essential for appreciating Filipino culture and social interactions.