Relativism: Is it wrong to judge other cultures? | A-Z of ISMs Episode 18 - BBC Ideas

Summary

This video explores the concept of moral relativism, the belief that what is right or wrong depends on cultural context and there is no absolute moral truth. It uses examples like bullfighting in Spain and gladiatorial combat in Ancient Rome to illustrate how moral standards vary across cultures and history. The video also discusses the implications of accepting moral relativism, including controversial scenarios like Nazi Germany. Finally, it addresses the broader idea of truth being relative, highlighting the inherent contradiction in this theory. Subscribe for more thought-provoking content!

Takeaways

• 🌐 Moral relativism posits that moral judgments are culturally relative and there is no universal standard of right or wrong.
• 👽 The hypothetical example of a Martian observing Earth illustrates that cultural norms vary widely, leading to different moral codes.
• 🐃 Bullfighting in Spain is used as an example to show how what is considered acceptable in one culture might be seen as cruel in another.
• 🏟️ Historical practices like gladiatorial combat and slavery, once accepted in Ancient Rome, are now universally condemned, highlighting the change in moral standards over time.
• 🌏 Anthropologists often adopt a relativistic approach to understand and appreciate different cultures without imposing their own values.
• 🤔 Moral relativism can be problematic as it struggles to account for universally repugnant practices, such as those seen in Nazi Germany.
• 🤷‍♂️ Non-judgmental relativism might seem appealing, but it can lead to uncomfortable conclusions about the acceptability of morally reprehensible actions.
• 📚 Some philosophers and theorists extend relativism to truth itself, suggesting that what is true can vary by time and place.
• 🔍 The script challenges the notion of truth relativism by pointing out that the theory of relativism would undermine its own claim to truth if it were absolute.
• 📖 The transcript encourages critical thinking about moral and truth relativism, urging viewers to consider the implications of such views.
• 👋 The video ends with a friendly reminder for viewers to subscribe, indicating the content's nature as part of a series or channel.

Q & A

What is moral relativism?

Moral relativism is the philosophical view that moral judgments are true or false relative to some particular standpoint. It suggests that what is considered right in one culture may be wrong in another, and there is no absolute standard to judge between these differences.

How does the concept of moral relativism relate to cultural norms?

Moral relativism posits that cultural norms dictate what is considered right or wrong within a society. It implies that moral values are not universal but are instead shaped by the customs and traditions of a particular culture.

What example is given in the script to illustrate moral relativism?

The script uses the example of bullfighting in Spain, which is seen as a spectacle in some parts of the country, but is considered outrageous cruelty in many other countries, demonstrating how moral judgments can vary significantly across cultures.

How does the script address the historical perspective on moral relativism?

The script contrasts the moral values of Ancient Rome, where gladiatorial combat and slavery were acceptable, with the moral values of present-day societies where such practices are widely frowned upon, showing how moral standards can change over time.

What role do anthropologists play in the context of moral relativism as described in the script?

Anthropologists, as mentioned in the script, often adopt a non-judgmental approach to understand other cultures from within. They appreciate the interwoven practices of different societies as responses to their unique circumstances and traditions, recognizing the diversity of moral values across cultures.

What is the ethical dilemma presented by the script regarding moral relativism?

The script presents a dilemma by asking the viewer to consider the moral relativism stance during Nazi Germany, where actions that are widely considered morally repugnant today were considered 'right' within the context of that society, legally and morally.

Why might the script suggest avoiding moral relativism?

The script suggests avoiding moral relativism because it can lead to repugnant conclusions, such as accepting the moral standards of Nazi Germany as being 'right' for that society, without any moral superiority or inferiority compared to other moral systems.

What is the broader concept of relativism discussed in the script?

The script extends the concept of relativism beyond morality to include truth itself, suggesting that what is considered true can vary depending on time and place, and positing that there may be no such thing as objective truth.

How does the script critique the theory of relativism regarding its own truth?

The script critiques the theory of relativism by pointing out that if everything, including truth, is relative, then the theory of relativism itself must also be relative. This creates a paradox because it implies that the theory cannot be absolutely true.

What is the potential implication of the script's critique of relativism for modern society?

The script implies that the widespread acceptance of relativism in modern society, particularly in politics, could lead to a lack of objective standards for truth and morality, which may undermine the ability to make universally valid moral judgments.

What is the final call to action for the viewers in the script?

The script ends with a light-hearted call to action, encouraging viewers not to forget to subscribe, which serves as a reminder of the video's format and the platform it is presented on.