Moral Relativism and Cultural Differences
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Questions and Answers

What is the main idea of moral relativism?

  • That all cultures have the same moral values
  • That morality is based on personal opinion
  • That morality is relative to cultural norms (correct)
  • That there is an absolute truth that applies to all cultures

    • What is an example of a cultural difference mentioned in the text?

  • Slavery in modern society
  • Gladiatorial combat in Ancient Greece
  • Bull riding in the United States
  • Bullfighting in Spain (correct)

    • What is the argument made by some anthropologists?

  • That morality is relative to cultural circumstances and traditions (correct)
  • That morality is absolute and universal
  • That morality is based on religious beliefs
  • That morality is based on personal opinion

    • What is a criticism of moral relativism mentioned in the text?

    <p>That it would have to accept the Nazi treatment of Jews, homosexuals, and Gypsies as morally acceptable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the view of extreme relativism?

    <p>That everything is relative, including truth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is implied by the text about the acceptability of certain practices in different cultures?

    <p>That they are acceptable in some cultures but not others</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Moral Relativism

    • Moral relativism is the view that what is right in one culture may be wrong in another, and there is no absolute truth or way to judge between the two.
    • It suggests that morality is relative to cultural norms, and what is right in one location may be wrong in another.

    Cultural Differences

    • Examples of cultural differences include bullfighting in Spain, which is seen as a spectacle, but considered outrageous cruelty in many other countries.
    • In Ancient Rome, it was acceptable to have gladiatorial combat to the death and own slaves, but these practices are now widely frowned upon.

    Anthropological Relativism

    • Some anthropologists argue that morality is different in different cultures, and it's ethnocentric to impose one's own values on others.
    • They recognize that morality is relative to cultural circumstances and traditions.

    Criticisms of Moral Relativism

    • A relativist would have to accept that the Nazi treatment of Jews, homosexuals, and Gypsies as less than human was morally acceptable in Nazi Germany.
    • This is a repugnant conclusion, and it's probably best to avoid moral relativism.

    Extreme Relativism

    • Some people argue that everything is relative, including truth, and that there is no objective truth.
    • This view suggests that what is true at one time and place isn't true for everyone everywhere.

    Problems with Extreme Relativism

    • If truth is relative, then the theory of relativism itself would have to be relative, and couldn't be absolutely true.
    • This creates a contradiction in the theory of extreme relativism.

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    Description

    Explore the concept of moral relativism, cultural differences, and criticisms of moral relativism. Learn about anthropological relativism and the implications of extreme relativism.

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