Questions and Answers
Ethical relativism is the view that there ________ objective right and wrong.
is no
In this sense, according to an ethical relativist, ethics and morality are ________ science.
different from
Because ethical relativists hold that morality consists of _________ on what is right or wrong.
a diversity of opinions
The opposite viewpoint, that there are universally applicable rights and wrongs, is called _______, or objectivism.
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The empirical and historical fact that different cultures disagree about moral values is known as descriptive ethical relativism. In support of descriptive ethical relativism, you could cite examples of the ways that cultures ____________ with regard to morality.
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A _______________ form of relativism is called normative ethical relativism.
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Normative ethical relativism is the view that there (2) ________________ universal or objective norms.
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Therefore, it is (3) __________________, in principle, to justifiably criticize the morality, norms, or practices of another culture.
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Although some may find normative ethical relativism attractive because it at least seems to promote toleration and appreciation for cultural diversity, it is potentially problematic because it provides ________________ for critiquing or criticizing practices that many people find morally repugnant.
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What is individual ethical relativism?
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What is cultural ethical relativism?
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Objectivism claims there _____ an objective right and wrong.
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Individual or societal actions and preferences ________ be judged according to universal ethical standards.
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What is the relationship between cultural norms and morality in cultural relativism?
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Ethical judgments are justified (1) _____________, but not (2) _________________.
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What is individual preference in the context of individual relativism?
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Ethical judgments of another person's or culture's actions or viewpoint (1) _____________ are not justified, because (2) ______________ views are more correct than others.
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According to cultural relativism, it (1) _______ acceptable for people within a particular corporate or office culture to make judgements about the behavior of other members of the organization.
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A manager from Company B who discovers that one of his employees is secretly working from home in violation of the company's policy would be (2) ________________ in reprimanding the employee for doing so.
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A manager from Company B would be (1) ____________ in making judgments about the behavior and work habits of an employee who works from home in agreement with the norms and standards of Company A.
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The values and expectations of other cultures (including other office cultures) are (2) ______________.
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Study Notes
Ethical Relativism Overview
- Ethical relativism denies the existence of objective right and wrong; morality is viewed as subjective.
- It posits that there are only various perspectives on what constitutes right and wrong.
Different Perspectives on Ethics
- Ethics is considered distinct from science; science often achieves consensus and universal validity, unlike moral views.
- Ethical relativists argue morality reflects a diversity of opinions shaped by individual beliefs and cultural contexts.
Types of Ethical Relativism
- Descriptive ethical relativism highlights the reality that different cultures have conflicting moral values.
- Normative ethical relativism asserts there are no universal moral norms, making cross-cultural moral criticism impossible.
Critique of Normative Ethical Relativism
- While it promotes tolerance and acceptance of cultural diversity, normative ethical relativism lacks a foundation for critiquing practices seen as morally objectionable.
Individual vs Cultural Ethical Relativism
- Individual ethical relativism claims moral views are reflections of personal attitudes; no individual's viewpoint can be deemed more correct than another's.
- Cultural ethical relativism contends that ethical values change based on cultural norms; no society's moral outlook is superior to another's.
Objectivism vs Relativism
- Objectivism asserts the existence of an objective right and wrong.
- Actions and preferences can be judged based on universal ethical standards, contrary to relativistic views.
Cultural Relativism and Ethical Judgments
- Cultural relativism posits that moral evaluations are culturally bound, validated within a specific culture but not applicable across cultures.
- Moral judgments are based on societal norms but cannot be imposed on different cultures.
Individual Relativism's Limitations
- Ethical judgments about others' actions are not justified since no individual's perspective holds greater moral correctness.
- Cultural norms influence individual morality, making it relative to personal experiences and societal views.
Application in Corporate Culture
- Within a specific corporate culture, it is acceptable for members to make judgments about each other's behaviors.
- Managers can justifiably reprimand employees for violating internal policies but cannot judge practices from different corporate cultures as equally acceptable or unacceptable.
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Description
Explore the concept of ethical relativism in this quiz. Understand the differences between objective morality and varying ethical perspectives. Test your knowledge on the implications of ethical relativism in philosophical discussions.
