What criticism can be given to cultural relativism?

Cultural relativism is therefore a destructive force in theory and is thus bound to be destructive in practice. It is in practice that cultural relativism sanctions the worst mani festations of violence and oppression.

What is the theory of cultural relativism?

Cultural relativism is the view that ethical and social standards reflect the cultural context from which they are derived. Cultural relativists uphold that cultures differ fundamentally from one another, and so do the moral frameworks that structure relations within different societies.

What is James Rachels argument against cultural relativism?

James Rachels’ piece “The Challenge of Cultural Relativism” is a compelling analysis of the widespread theory and, particularly, where it appears to be flawed. He refutes the idea that there is no “objective standard” for judging moral codes (56).

What are some problematic implications of cultural relativism?

For many there would be a trade-off: one may reinforce one’s community’s values but have less understanding of the values of other societies. With this knowledge some may be tempted to deliberately promote the interests of their own societies at the expense of others.

What is the argument for cultural relativism?

The tolerance argument runs as follows:” cultural relativism, unlike other moral theories, has the following attractive feature: to accept it is to be tolerant of other cultures. Relativism implies that we cannot impose our morality on other cultures, which in turn implies that we must refrain from doing so.

What arguments are advanced for cultural relativism?

This is the main argument for cultural relativism. Its premises are (1) different cultures have different moral beliefs and (2) these differences show that there are no universally correct moral standards.

What is cultural relativism article?

Cultural relativism refers to not judging a culture to our own standards of what is right or wrong, strange or normal. Instead, we should try to understand cultural practices of other groups in its own cultural context.

Why does Rachels reject the cultural differences argument?

According to Rachels, the fact that different cultures have different moral codes implies that moral values lack objective truth. If Cultural Relativism is true, a social “reformer” cannot legitimately challenge the ideals of his or her society.

What are the arguments of cultural relativism?

Which of the following is the consequence of taking cultural relativism?

In concluding, the consequences of encouraging cultural relativism can be summarised quite succinctly here: the reinforcement of cultural relativism may forge cohesive cultures, which may initially seem to be benign, but this may be accompanied by discouraging the understanding of other cultures.