Human Uniqueness PDF

National Culture and Ethics The cultural ideals, values, and practices of a country influence the culture of an organization. The knowledge and values of the society to which the founder, leaders, and members belong, are adapted and become the heart and soul of the organization. If the n...

National Culture and Ethics The cultural ideals, values, and practices of a country influence the culture of an organization. The knowledge and values of the society to which the founder, leaders, and members belong, are adapted and become the heart and soul of the organization. If the national culture is highly competitive, the organization is likely to be competitive. Human Beings, Culture, and Moral Choices What makes human beings unique? Human beings are the only ones who uniquely possess an erect posture and the largest brain Human beings are also social beings who have a more complex and sophisticated way of creating formal organizations and alliances. The uniqueness of human beings lies in their ability to know what is good and bad. Attributes of Human Uniqueness 1. Personhood Morality is rooted in the personhood of an individual. It is fundamentally anchored on the understanding of the individual self and the personhood of others. Moral values are born from human interactions in society. The road to self-realization is not an easy path. Morality recognizes the depth and mystery of personhood that is instrumental to building the ideal society. Attributes of Human Uniqueness 2. Family The family is a product of a particular culture. Since the family is the basic unit of society, it is therefore, the primary source of morality. Parents are the first teachers of right and wrong. They approve and disapprove the actions and decisions of their children. Attributes of Human Uniqueness 3. Culture Cultural values constantly being reshaped because of many social factors. Moral values evolve along with society Morality is not stagnant. It is always in the process of reinvention, but it does not cease to exist. E.g. Culture of Slavery in the 18th Century Culture and It is indeed necessary to have moral guidelines that support and strengthen the values of Moral Choices cooperation and love. Moral values and attitudes of individual members of the community must be directed towards the common good. Moral values promoting cooperation and honesty are always influenced by strict or loose laws. Religion, if understood and practiced properly, strengthens moral values that promote pro-social behaviors. Economic status, on the other hand, could influence a person's values of cooperation, generosity, and honesty if he or she is overtaken by greed. Cultural Relativism Cultural relativism adheres to the idea that ethical norms differ from one society or culture to another. Moral norms are not permanent; they change according to time, place, and circumstances. Cultural relativism implies that there are no universal norms of morality, that morality is different from one culture to another. If the plurality of cultures is respected, no culture will be perceived as superior over the others.  Tolerance means that people should try to understand and respect the beliefs, traditions, and practices of the cultures of others. Once, a missionary anthropologist said, Cultural "Take off your shoes because the ground you are standing on is sacred.’ Relativism Another quote bears the essence of cultural relativism: 'When you are in Rome, live as the Romans do.’ The feeling and attitude of superiority, intolerance, and impatience towards cultural differences must be avoided and rejected. Cultural Relativism Respect and tolerance are highly encouraged in interacting with other cultures. However, this comes with the risk that even wrong actions can be tolerated and justified, blurring the line between right and wrong. If a cultural act causes pain and violence, it becomes a hindrance to human growth and the welfare of the community; if it leads to poverty and injustice, then it must be questioned because there is no justification for an action that does not engender respect and tolerance.  Cultural relativism helps avoid moral dictatorship. Cultural relativism respects diversity and the plurality of rich cultural and historical Strengths of traditions. Cultural The behaviors and moral standards of other cultures are not always in Relativism agreement with one's own. The question is whether it is right to impose moral standards applicable to all people on the moral dilemmas of people with different cultural backgrounds.  Cultural relativism respects the beliefs of different cultures. Cultural relativism does not insult or question the ability of other cultures to Strengths of make intelligent and sound moral judgment. Cultural Moral norms or standards of other cultures have long been respected and recognized Relativism by their own authorities, elders, members. There is no objective, scientific method or valid system to judge and criticize the moral practices of other cultures as superior or inferior.  Cultural relativism promotes unity and harmony among cultures. Cultural relativism counters the attitude of intolerance, arrogance, and dominance. Strengths of These behaviors are the source of endless misunderstanding, conflict, Cultural and hostility within and among Relativism cultures. Cultural relativism promotes deeper understanding and respect which is the key to better relationships among diverse cultures. Problems of Cultural Relativism Tolerance and acceptance of social injustices and inhumane activities. Though it has its own strengths, cultural relativism also has negative implications. It is possible that it will make people turn a hot blind eye to the plight of the marginalized in the name of cultural plurality. The are many cases that the long-held cultural traditions and practices cause the suffering and abuse of individuals. However, these traditions and practices are passed off as existing in a particular cultural context that not everyone understands. A rational person will assert that such acts should continue, yet relativism tends to accept, permit, and tolerate it because of cultural diversity. Problems of Cultural Relativism Rejection of higher universal or common moral standards The idea of good or bad, of wrong or right depends on the accepted practices in one's culture. Individuals and groups cannot question the legitimacy or validity of cultural practices simply because it is approved by the society. However, is it possible to critically evaluate and criticize the quality, essence, and meaning of morality if objectivity is disregarded? Moral progress cannot be achieved if there are no universal moral standards with which to judge various cultural preferences and practices.  Problems of Assumption that knowledge of other culture is impossible Cultural Relativism Cultural relativism assumes that it is impossible to fully understand and immerse oneself in a foreign culture because people come from different cultural backgrounds. Therefore, no one is in the position to judge or criticize a person from a different culture. With globalization, the atmosphere of increasing global cooperation and unity requires transparency and the understanding of foreign cultures. The concern for international human rights, welfare, and development bridges the diversity and plurality of cultures. Problems of Cultural Relativism Vulnerability to racial discrimination Cultural relativism rejects a universal sense of humanity by claiming that each culture is unique and different. The truth is, despite cultural differences, all humans share the same traits as human species. Generally, all human beings are similar to one other and it is of possible to understand and agree on common moral standards. The idea that there are unique and different cultures could also lead some people to think that their culture is superior to others or that others can be disparaged and controlled because they are inferior.