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,
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. If people did not follow socially acceptable standards they would not function well in the society. 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. actions and beliefs on the morals of the society in which they are a part. This in turn defines what is socially acceptable and unacceptable in a society. Views as to what is good and what is bad changes from culture to culture. The two societies disagree as to what is right or wrong, moral or immoral on the behavior of eating animals, and cultural relativism explains why. 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. After reading the second article, this one written by William Shaw, my belief in cultural relativism was in question. If a person did not abide by the social standards in a society it would be hard to be respected. For example, I am a member of the society of the United States, the society of the University of Minnesota, and my own social society consisting of my friends. Even though I do not believe that cultural relativism should be accepted as a theory on which to base the way we live; I do believe that society plays some roll in the way we live our lives. Shaw goes on asking what makes up a majority? Is there a set percentage of people that have to agree on something to make it moral or immoral? If that percentage is set high then it will be difficult meeting the criteria of a moral majority. Cultural Relativism is too simple of a theory on which to base the entire existence of human morals on. If a majority is considered to be 51% of the people then the problem of moral ?flip-flopping?, as Shaw calls it, becomes a problem.
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