RUNNING CULTURAL ETHICAL RELATIVISM

Cultural Ethical Relativism

Argument essay #1
Ashley Baker
Phil-1120

Cultural Ethical Relativism

Cultural Ethical Relativism

What is cultural ethical relativism or CER? Cultural relativism is the claim that different
cultures have different values, and hence there are no universal ethical truths. (Jenson, 2016) I
believe that the CER is not the correct ethical theory. Upon reading this paper, you will get a
better understanding of the CER and learn my viewpoints of it. I will also criticize CER using
one of Midgelys criticism from Packet #1 pp 149-153.
There are 5 claims made by cultural relativists: different societies have different moral
codes, the moral code of a society determines what is right within that society, there is no
objective standard that can be used to judge one societys code as better than anothers. The
moral code of our own society has no special status, and it is arrogant for us to judge other
cultures. (Jenson, 2016) What counts as normal and abnormal varies from culture to culture.
Also, cultures learn and grow and do things different depending on the time period. The
concept of the normal is properly a variant of the concept of good. It is that which society has
approved. (Benedict, 1966, p. 276)
There are cultural difference arguments. Different cultures have different moral codes,
therefore this is no objective truth in morality. The Greeks believed it was wrong to eat the
dead, whereas the Callatians believed it was right to eat the dead. Therefore, eating the dead is
neither objectively right nor wrong. It is a matter of opinion, which varies depending on the
culture. (Rachels, pp. 14-31)
James Rachels criticizes the CER by saying the claims that the cultural differences
argument is both invalid and unsound. Just because cultures disagree about a fact or belief, does
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Cultural Ethical Relativism

not guarantee that there is no objective truth about the fact or belief. Rachels argues that
complex cultures cannot exist unless certain values are established. These values are caring for
the young, telling the truth, and prohibitions on murder. (Rachels, pp. 14-31)
Mary Midgley is an English moral philosopher who taught at Newcastle University. She
also has an abundant amount of criticism towards CER. She believes that the CER does not
allow us to judge values and that it is self-contradictory. It can even say that its own statement is
true. (Midgely, 2003) I would also add my thoughts about the CER. It concerns me that the CER
doesnt allow us to judge actions. Without the ability to judge, we wouldnt survive. We need to
judge whether people are doing harmful things, compare better or worse actions and update
policies. (Jenson, 2016)
I think the samurai example in the slideshow says it best. It explains how samurais would
test out their new swords on people. The CER says that each culture has its different beliefs and
practices, but we know it is unhuman to use other living humans to test our swords on. We know
better not to kill, it is a well-known moral rule that keeps our society running.
One of my personal examples would be slavery. Just because one society says it is okay,
doesnt mean that it should be allowed or tolerated. As I mentioned before, time period plays a
big part in our societys beliefs, but we are constantly judging, changing and improving our
society.

Cultural Ethical Relativism

I would like to reiterate my opinion that I do not believe the CER is the correct ethical
theory because it does not allow us to judge others in how they act and in their beliefs. Every
culture and society is different, but that doesnt mean they can do no harm because the action is
within their belief.

Cultural Ethical Relativism

Bibliography
Benedict, R. (1966). Anthropology and the Abnormal. In M. Mead (Ed.), In An
Anthropologist at Work (p. 276). New York: Atherton Press.
Jenson, J. C. (2016, 2 15). Cultural Relativism Slideshow. Retrieved from SLCC
Instructure: https://slcc.instructure.com/courses/344496/files/folder/Lecture
%20Slides?preview=53502496
Midgely, M. (2003). Trying Out One's New Sword. In Hear and Mind: The Varieties of
Moral Experience,. Routledge.
Rachels, J. (n.d.). The Challenge of cultural relativism. In In the elements of moral
philosphy (pp. 14-31). New York: Mcgraw-Hill.