Understanding Cultural Relativism

Is infanticide considered objectively right or wrong?

Depends on legal regulations
Objectively wrong in all cultures
Depends on the culture's perspective (correct)
Objectively right in all cultures

What can be inferred about the argument presented in (CR)?

It implies that there is no 'objective truth' in any moral issue (correct)
It suggests that cultural practices are always morally inferior
It encourages universal condemnation of cultural practices
It supports the idea of moral progress in societies

How does the text suggest (CR) would impact societies' ability to criticize other cultures?

They are completely restricted from criticizing any aspect of other cultures (correct)
They can criticize only neighboring cultures
They can freely criticize any aspect of other cultures
They can criticize only certain aspects based on popular opinion

What is one of the consequences mentioned in the text if societies adhere strictly to (CR)?

Inability to recognize better practices from other cultures (B) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, what issue does the concept of moral relativism call into question?

The possibility of moral progress over time (D) Signup and view all the answers

How would adhering to (CR) potentially impact a society's ability to self-reflect and improve?

Stifle self-criticism and hinder progress (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, why do thoughtful people may be reluctant to criticize other cultures?

They are afraid of interfering in the social customs of other peoples (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main conclusion the passage draws from the concept of 'cultural relativism' (CR)?

That we should avoid arrogance and remain open to new ideas (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the passage say about the extent to which cultures differ?

Cultures disagree on many moral rules, but there is also broad agreement (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the passage say about the relationship between our feelings and the truth?

Our feelings may be due to cultural conditioning and not reflect the truth (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the passage suggest is the 'danger' of assuming all our practices are based on 'some absolute rational standard'?

It causes us to ignore the role of culture in shaping our practices (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the passage suggest is an 'attractive theory' related to cultural relativism?

The idea that many of our practices are byproducts of culture (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the core claim of cultural relativism?

Moral norms are relative and based on the culture. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to cultural relativism, what is the standard for determining right and wrong?

There is no universal standard, only cultural standards. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key argument in favor of cultural relativism?

Cultures have the right to determine their own moral standards. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key counterargument against cultural relativism?

Moral norms should be determined by individual preference, not culture. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main conclusion of cultural relativism?

Moral norms are relative and based on the culture. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text say progress means?

Replacing old ways with new and improved ways in practice and understanding (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is problematic about blind conformity to status quo ideas and practices?

It would disable any form of social reform (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point of Counter-Argument #3?

Cultures have different belief systems but share the same values (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key point made in the case study about the culture that believes it is wrong to eat cows?

The difference lies in the belief systems, not the value systems (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text say about some moral rules that all societies must embrace?

All societies must embrace moral rules that are necessary for society to exist (C) Signup and view all the answers