Chapter 2: The Challenge of Cultural Relativism Flashcards
Different cultures have different ___ ___.
Moral codes.
Cultural relativism challenges our belief in the objectivity and universality of moral ___.
Truth.
According to cultural relativists, the moral code of a society determines what is ___ within that society.
Right.
According to cultural relativists, there is no objective standard that can be used to judge one society’s code as better than…
Another’s.
According to cultural relativists, does the moral code of our own society have special status?
No.
According to cultural relativists, is it right for us to judge the conduct of other peoples?
No, it is arrogant.
Properly understood, cultural relativism holds that the norms of a culture reign supreme…
Within the bounds of the culture itself.
What is the problem that occurs with a superficial understanding of the cultural relativists’ position?
We are unable to criticize Nazi ideologies.
How do we overcome the supposed conflict in the understanding of cultural relativist views?
When one enters another culture, he or she is bound by their cultural norms.
Is the cultural differences argument sound?
No.
The mere fact that there is disagreement does not mean there is no ___ in the matter.
Truth.
Cultural relativism is flawed, as it does not allow us to criticize…(2 parts)
Others’ cultures, as well as our own cultures.
Cultural relativism does not allow for moral ___, such as improved rights for women.
Progress.
Cultural relativism does not allow us to judge the customs of other societies as morally ___ to our own.
Inferior.
There is ___ cultural disagreement than it seems, as at the basis, different actions all have the same root beliefs.
Less.
Are there morals rules that affect all societies?
Yes.
Give examples of universal moral rules.
Rules against lying and rules against murder.
What standard should be used when judging the morality of cultural practices?
Does the practice promote or hinder the welfare of the people whose lives are affected by it?
Why is tolerance a bad argument for not judging other cultures?
Tolerance does not mean that all other cultures are morally equal.
We need to understand that each culture has…
Good and bad practices.
Our feelings are not necessarily perceptions of the ___.
Truth.
What are two things that cultural relativism teaches us?
- Danger of assuming that all our preferences are based on an absolute rational standard.
- Keeping an open mind.
