Cultural Relativism

Definition

Cultural relativism is the belief that a person's beliefs, values, and practices should be understood based on that person's own culture rather than be judged against the criteria of another culture. This perspective emphasizes understanding and tolerance of cultural differences and raises important questions about ethics, morality, and human rights in a global context.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural relativism suggests that ethical standards and morality vary from culture to culture, meaning what is considered 'right' in one society might be 'wrong' in another.
2. This perspective challenges ethnocentrism, which is the practice of judging another culture by the standards of one's own culture.
3. Critics argue that cultural relativism can lead to moral ambiguity, making it difficult to criticize practices that violate human rights.
4. Cultural relativism plays a crucial role in discussions about global ethics, as it prompts a reevaluation of how universal human rights are defined and applied.
5. In the context of moral dilemmas, cultural relativism raises questions about whether actions can be deemed morally acceptable or unacceptable depending solely on cultural norms.

Review Questions

• How does cultural relativism influence our understanding of moral dilemmas across different societies?
  • Cultural relativism influences our understanding of moral dilemmas by emphasizing that each society has its own set of values and norms that shape their perception of right and wrong. This means that what one group may see as a moral issue could be viewed differently by another group due to their unique cultural context. By considering the specific cultural backgrounds of individuals involved in moral dilemmas, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of ethical decision-making and the diversity of human experiences.
• Discuss how cultural relativism contrasts with ethical absolutism in the context of human rights.
  • Cultural relativism contrasts sharply with ethical absolutism when it comes to human rights. While ethical absolutism argues for universal rights that apply to all people, regardless of culture, cultural relativism posits that human rights must be interpreted through the lens of specific cultural contexts. This leads to significant debate about whether practices that violate what some consider universal human rights can be justified within certain cultural frameworks, thereby complicating international dialogue on human rights issues.
• Evaluate the implications of cultural relativism on global ethics and international relations in addressing human rights violations.
  • The implications of cultural relativism on global ethics and international relations are profound when addressing human rights violations. It raises critical questions about how nations should respond to practices viewed as oppressive or harmful in other cultures. While some argue for a universal approach to human rights based on ethical absolutism, cultural relativism challenges this notion by asserting that interventions must consider local customs and values. This creates tension between promoting universal human rights and respecting cultural differences, often complicating diplomatic efforts and international cooperation on human rights initiatives.

Related terms

Ethical Absolutism: The belief that there are universal moral principles that apply to all individuals regardless of culture or context.

Universal Human Rights:

Rights that are believed to belong justifiably to every person, regardless of cultural background or context.

Ethical Pluralism: The view that there are multiple moral perspectives that can be valid, depending on the cultural context.