“The Challenge of Cultural Relativism” The Elements of Moral Philosophy (James Rachels)

Rachels’ Analysis Cultural Relativism Claims Different Societies have different moral codes No objective standards in ethics Moral code of one’s society has no special status Every moral standard is culture-bound No universal moral values or norms

A Distinction Cultural relativism vs. Ethical relativism Cultural relativism: there are differences and norms from among cultures Ethical relativism: there is no objective standard or test among the moral standards among cultures. There are no universal or objective standards of conduct. Rachels: cultural relativism = ethical relativism

Cultural Differences Argument General Form Premise: Different codes and practices exist. Conclusion: Therefore, there is no objective “truth” in morality. Fallacy What is believed to what is reality. Counterexamples: earth is flat, center of universe

Unacceptable Consequences of Cultural Relativism Criticizing other cultures e.g. apartheid, Nazi Germany Criticizing one’s own culture e.g. slavery, discrimination

Differences in Belief Systems; Commonality of Ethical Values Beliefs about physical environment/ factual understanding of the world e.g. Callatians and Greeks beliefs about death commonality as respect for parents Pressures of physical environment e.g. Eskimos and role of males as hunters commonality as value for offspring

Common Values: Society and Business Back to fundamental principles of a social contract: Rules necessary for society to exist and for business to function Society Protecting offspring Murder Truth telling Business Honoring contracts and agreements Truth telling Trust and credibility

Lessons and Insights of Cultural Relativism Tolerance of customs and alternative practices fundamental values or principles may be similar Open mindedness examining prejudices and biases Danger of assuming absolute standards conviction of beliefs can lead to hubris (arrogance, excess, pride), the worst of the Greek vices