What is Cultural Relativism?

Summary

Cultural relativism posits that there are no universal moral truths; ethical standards are defined by cultural contexts. This means that different societies may have contrasting moral beliefs, as illustrated by the Galatians, who practiced endocannibalism, and the Greeks, who preferred cremation. Each culture's practices are equally valid, emphasizing that one should not judge another's customs through an ethnocentric lens. Instead, understanding and tolerance are encouraged to appreciate the diverse moral landscapes of various cultures, highlighting the need for mutual respect and recognition of each culture's unique perspectives.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cultural relativism posits that there are no universal truths in ethics.
• 🤔 According to cultural relativism, morality is culture-bound and varies across different societies.
• 🌍 Each culture has its own moral beliefs and practices that may not align with those of other cultures.
• ⚖️ What one culture considers right may be seen as wrong by another culture, highlighting moral diversity.
• 📜 Herodotus's account of the Galatians exemplifies differing burial practices between cultures.
• 👑 In a historical example, King Darius of Persia posed a question to Greeks and Galatians about their burial customs, revealing their disgust for each other's practices.
• 🚫 Cultural relativism argues against ethnocentrism, the tendency to judge other cultures by one’s own cultural standards.
• 🤝 Instead of judgment, cultural relativism encourages understanding and tolerance of differing cultural practices.
• 🪦 The Galatians’ practice of eating their dead ancestors is as morally valid within their culture as Greek cremation is within theirs.
• ✅ Cultural relativism advocates for recognizing the equality of all cultural practices and moralities without asserting superiority.

Q & A

What is cultural relativism?

Cultural relativism is the view that there are no universal truths in ethics, meaning there are no absolute moral standards for judging actions as good or bad, right or wrong.

How does cultural relativism view morality?

According to cultural relativism, morality is culture-bound, meaning that a culture determines whether an action is considered good or bad within that specific society.

Why does cultural relativism claim that different cultures have different moralities?

Cultural relativism asserts that because there are many different cultures around the world, there are also many different moral beliefs and practices, which may not be shared by other societies.

Can you provide an example that illustrates cultural relativism?

One example is the Galatians, an ancient Indian tribe that believed in eating the bodies of their dead ancestors, while the ancient Greeks considered cremation as the proper way of disposing of the dead.

What was King Darius's inquiry to the Greeks and Galatians about their burial practices?

King Darius asked the Greeks in his court what it would take for them to try the Galatians' burial practice, and both groups expressed disgust at the idea of adopting each other's customs.

What does cultural relativism say about judging other cultures?

Cultural relativism posits that it is wrong to judge the beliefs and practices of other cultures using one's own cultural standards, a practice known as ethnocentrism.

What is the recommended attitude towards understanding other cultures according to cultural relativism?

Cultural relativism encourages striving to understand other cultures on their own terms and adopting an attitude of tolerance.

Is the Galatians' practice of eating their dead ancestors considered wrong by cultural relativism?

No, according to cultural relativism, the practice of the Galatians is considered equally good and right as the Greek practice of cremation, within their respective cultural contexts.

What is ethnocentrism?

Ethnocentrism is the practice of judging other cultures by the standards of one's own culture, often leading to the belief that one's own culture is superior.

What is the main takeaway from the discussion of cultural relativism?

The main takeaway is that cultural relativism promotes the idea that no one culture or moral belief is superior to another, and understanding and tolerance should be prioritized.