Cultural Relativism
Cultural relativism, as defined by Ruth Benedict in her article A Defense of Cultural Relativism, is the theory that human morality is based on the society in which an individual is a part of. The basis of a society?s morality comes from cultural traditions, habits, and what the majority believes to be right and wrong. Benedict uses her anthropological studies to support her ideas concerning cultural relativism. The theory of cultural relativism is criticized and questioned by many; and it is considered one of the weakest arguments pertaining to the basis of morality. Some of these criticisms come from William Shaw in his paper Relativism in Ethics. In his paper, Shaw sets out to prove that Cultural Relativism is not a strong enough theory on which to base the existence of human morality. In this paper I will discuss the ideas of cultural relativism and the problems with them. Whether cultural relativism is a viable basis for morality or not, society must play some roll in determining the way people act and perceive right and wrong.Cultural relativism as an explanation for the morals of human beings is a logical and convincing idea. According to the theory, people base their individual thoughts,
Ruth Benedict?s argument supporting cultural relativism is a convincing explanation of the morality of individuals. Be it convincing or not, the idea of cultural relativism is a weak view of the basis of morality. Arguments opposed to cultural relativism are set forth by William Shaw in his paper Relativism in Ethics. Shaw concludes with the dismissal of cultural relativism as a valid theory of the explanation of social morals. After reading the two articles I used to write this paper I feel I got a good understanding of the concept of cultural relativism. When I first read Ruth Benedict?s article supporting cultural relativism I was sold. I have always believed that the morals individuals hold are a direct result of the society they are a part of day in and day out. People want to do what is right so that they can play a productive and respectful roll in society. If a person did not abide by the social standards in a society it would be hard to be respected. After reading the second article, this one written by William Shaw, my belief in cultural relativism was in question. Shaw pointed out several key arguments that really made the idea of cultural relativism lose its black and white simplicity that Benedict proposed in her article. Shaw concludes that cultural relativism is ?false as a theory of normative ethics?. He states that the questions he set forth are not to refute relativism but to seek answers. Answers a relativist, such as Ruth Benedict, can not give. According to Shaw, relativists maintain that society sets the ideas of what is right and wrong and ?this is the only standard by which an individual?s actions can be judged?. Shaw goes on to contend that not only does a relativist avoid giving a decent reason in support of their theory, cultural relativism does not coincide with our values of morality. A relativist believes that whatever a society considers to be right and moral is right and moral for them. Shaw concludes his article by saying ??it seems clear that a society that applauded random torture of children would be immoral, even if it thought such a practice was right. It would simply be mistaken, and disastrously so.? With this statement, Shaw states his disagreement with ethical relativism. Another question raised by Shaw concerning
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Approximate Word count = 1541
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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