HUMANITIES

Question 1

Moral Theories

Answer 1

Systems of thought based on roles and principles
Expressed through normative statements
(Used to answer moral dilemmas)

Question 2

Challenges to arguments in favor of cultural relativism

Answer 2

• Cultural differences exist. However, they are sometimes superficial. (differences in patterns could relate to a same principle- example of respect of the dead versus different methods of disposing of the body.
• Majorities are not ALWAYS right, therefore it is not very judicious to let them define right and wrong.
• Should we tolerate intolerance?
  Ex: In a country where a majority believes we should kill everyone that is different, we would be forced to passively tolerate their intolerance, meaning we would be siding with intolerance which cul. rel is against.
• “Tolerance is good” is an objective claim that implies it’s good for EVERYONE- disregarding context, traditions and other factors. Paradox with the definition of relativism.

Question 3

Social Groups Objection

Answer 3

“Even if cultural relativism were true, all of us would not be able to identify to solely one cultural group, which therefore makes it impractical and impossible to use, thus clearly goes against common sense.”
- Us human are complex creature. Therefore, we identify to numerous different social groups that form our personality.

Question 4

Ethics

Answer 4

The branch of philosophy that deals with issues of right and wrong in human affairs.

Question 5

Arguments in favor of cultural relativism

Answer 5

• It seems to be aligned with the way the world works (various groups hold different views).
  -Each culture should be able to define better and worse following its own rules.
• It promotes tolerance among cultural groups.

Question 6

Subjectivism

Answer 6

claim that we should always do what we personally believe is the morally right thing to do.

Question 7

Normative claims/Normative statements

Answer 7

Tells us what we ought and ought not to do.
Ex: Rape is bad; We should not rape.

Question 8

Cultural Relativism

Answer 8

• we should always do what a majority of people in our group believes is the morally right thing to do.
  “In my culture,” “In my country.”

Question 9

Moral Progression Objection

Answer 9

“If cultural relativism were true, the concept of moral progress would become absurd. Likewise, concepts of good and wrong are ones of an objectivist. without these, it becomes impossible to define progress; and clearly this is problematic”

Question 10

Relativism

Answer 10

Ideology following which truth, knowledge and morality exist in relation to culture, society or historical context.
Claims that everything is relative except for itself.
When notion of neutral, superior truth is denied.
Can only disagree- not judge.

Question 11

Horrific Evil’s Objection

Answer 11

• Turns everything into something that is morally praise-worthy.
• “If cultural relativism were true, this would mean that anything including the most problematic behaviors would be morally justified as long as the majority of the group believes it is and clearly this is problematic.”

Question 12

Reformer’s Objection

Answer 12

“If relativism were true, we would have to agree that all of the great moral reformers of society must be considered evil because they opposed the status quo, and clearly this is problematic.”

Question 13

Moral dilemmas

Answer 13

Concrete case/situation
Expressed through descriptive statements.

Question 14

Ethical Dilemmas

Answer 14

Situations in which none of the available alternatives seems ethically acceptable

Question 15

Descriptive claims/Descriptive statements

Answer 15

Asserts something about how the world is; (without evaluating it).
Ex: Rape tends to have serious repercussions on survivors.