The Theory Of Cultural Relativism - 935 Words

The thought of eating toasted ants, fried frog legs, monkey brains, puppies and kittens is disturbing in the culture that I am used to. However, it is justifiably in many cultures out there; therefore in that case, my opinion is indeed relative. Cultural relativism is the view that individual beliefs and values systems are culturally relative. That is, no one ethnic group has the right to say that their particular system of beliefs and values is in any way better than anyone else’s system of beliefs and values. What may be right for one culture might be wrong for another. There is no absolute standard of right and wrong by which to compare and contrast morally conflicting cultural values. We cannot possibly understand the actions of other groups including their eating habits if we analyze them in terms of our own motives, and values. We must interpret their behavior in the light of their motives, and values if we are to understand them (Hunt, 2004). The theory of cultural relativism can be used to explain why the functionalist theory is applied to certain societies; the activities that they perform are done so because they are regarded as important and necessary according to the different values of each society. If we combine these two ideas, we are able to see that both the Functionalist and cultural relativist theories centered around the fact that the people of societies perform their activities and behave in the ways that they do because these actions and thoughtsShow MoreRelatedThe Theory Of Cultural Moral Relativism1627 Words   |  7 PagesMichael Atefi Professor Walker Phil-1020 29 September 2015 First Exam 1.) The theory of cultural moral relativism is based on the beliefs that it is arrogant to judge the moral codes of other cultures and that people should be tolerant towards the practices of other cultures (Rachels 19). By holding these beliefs, the theory implies that all cultures are equal and should be treated as such. Cultural moral relativism is also based on the idea that there is no universal truth in ethics (Rachels 18)Read MoreCultural Relativism As An Anthropological Theory1047 Words   |  5 Pages Cultural relativism is a principle used in anthropology (not to be confused with moral relativism) that entails an individual s perception of absolute truth is actually relative to the culture in which they participate. The principle complicates discussions pertaining to the existence of absolute truths in Christianity. Personal experience has revealed that nobody is willing to condemn foreign cultures as deficient or superior. Due to the horrendous atrocities commi tted in the nineteenthRead MoreCultural Relativism : A Moral Theory1676 Words   |  7 PagesCultural relativism is not Objectivism, which is a moral theory that states that there are certain moral standards that everyone should follow regardless of their opinion and indifference towards them. Cultural relativism is one of the two forms of Ethical Relativism. The latter one belongs to a form of moral skepticism. It states that moral standards are not objective, but relative to the standards of a person or a society. Consequently, cultural relativism is based on the belief that a moral standardRead MoreManagement Theory Of Cultural Relativism1384 Words   |  6 Pages I ntroduction to Management (Semester 2, 2015) Name: Jordan Fulton Student ID: U3117574 Weighting: 30% Due Date 25 September, 2015 Management Theory Essay When it comes to ethics, many managers believe that ‘while in Rome, do as Romans’ - To what extent you agree or disagree with this viewpoint? Justify your answer by looking into the various ethical perspectives as outlined in the text. 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Regardless of the outcome or viewpoint of the argument it is significant in the fact that it raises awareness for tolerance and differences between cultures and that no culture is more superior or more correctRead MoreThe Elements Of Moral Philosophy1407 Words   |  6 Pagespositives and negatives regarding the concept of cultural relativism, but his overall position is that cultural relativism is not a strong philosophy. On the flip side of that Immanuel Kant has a complete ly different ethical theory that is based around deontology. Despite its positives, cultural relativism cannot be defended against Rachels’ criticism, but Kant’s ethical theory cannot necessarily defeat cultural relativism either. Cultural Relativism is the idea that moral practices and social normsRead MoreThe Challenges Of Cultural Relativism And Ethical Egoism1659 Words   |  7 PagesChallenges of Cultural Relativism† and â€Å"Ethical Egoism.† There is an important distinction that can be made between cultural moral relativism and individual moral relativism, but ultimately their meanings rejoin. The distinction does allow individual moral relativism to be compared to ethical egoism. Both theories begin by being centered around the individual, before they diverge in important ways. By exploring the way individual moral relativism compares with cultural moral relativism and moral egoismRead MoreThe Fundamental Claim of Cultural Relativism Essay example1270 Words   |  6 PagesCultural relativism is an axiom to which some individuals use to govern if an act is morally wrong or right. It is considered a subspecies of the theory of moral relativism as it essentially follows the same path but just considers a more narrow approach. Putting Schafer-Landau’s Argument from disagreement into context for cultural relativism, looks to disprove the theory, however I will demonstrate how it is flawed. Schafer-Landau’s Argument from disagreement states: P1: If well informed, open minded