Should People Just Say Live And Let Live When They Look At T

Should People Just Say Live And Let Live When They Look At The Pract

Should people just say “live and let live” when they look at the practices of another culture that they find objectionable? Begin by reading this short article, "Cultural Relativism vs. Ethical Relativism," and then answer the following questions: What is cultural relativism? What is ethical relativism? What, if any, is the relationship between the two? Do people outside of a culture have the right to criticize that culture’s values or beliefs? Why or why not? Think of a strong example of a cultural practice. For example, say another culture practices child marriages. What would a cultural relativist say about this? What would an ethical relativist say about it? Support your answer.

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In contemplating the moral and cultural practices of different societies, the philosophical concepts of cultural relativism and ethical relativism serve as essential frameworks for understanding the diversity and complexity of moral judgments across cultures. The question whether outsiders should simply adopt a "live and let live" attitude when observing practices they find objectionable demands a careful analysis of these concepts and their implications for intercultural understanding and moral critique.

Cultural relativism is the idea that a person's beliefs, values, and practices should be understood based on that person's own culture, rather than judged against the standards of another culture. It posits that moral codes are culturally dependent, and no one culture's practices are inherently better or worse than another's. According to this view, what is considered morally acceptable in one society might be unacceptable in another, and this diversity should be respected rather than judged. For example, in some indigenous cultures, communal living and spiritual rituals form the core of social life, and these practices are deeply embedded within their cultural identity (Fitzgerald, 2014).

Ethical relativism, on the other hand, takes a more individualistic stance, asserting that moral standards are subjective and can vary from person to person or culture to culture, but it often emphasizes individual moral judgment over cultural norms. It holds that moral truths are not absolute but are relative to the beliefs and practices of a given individual or society. Ethical relativism discourages universal moral standards, suggesting that moral judgments should be flexible and context-dependent (Snape, 2010). While related to cultural relativism, ethical relativism focuses on moral claims at the individual level, often challenging the idea of any objective moral standards.

The relationship between cultural and ethical relativism is intertwined but distinct. Cultural relativism is primarily concerned with understanding and respecting cultural differences in practices and beliefs without immediate judgment. Ethical relativism broadens the perspective to include individual moral subjectivity, implying that moral judgments are personal and dependent on cultural context. Critics argue that ethical relativism can lead to moral nihilism, where no act can be deemed universally wrong, which complicates issues like human rights violations (Nussbaum, 2016).

Considering whether outsiders have the right to criticize another culture's values involves examining the balance between moral relativism and universal human rights. Many argue that certain fundamental rights, such as the right to life and freedom from abuse, transcend cultural differences. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, for instance, asserts standards that should protect individuals regardless of cultural context (United Nations, 1948). On the other hand, critics of external criticism argue that such judgments often display cultural ethnocentrism, failing to appreciate the context and meanings behind certain practices.

Take the practice of child marriage as an example. From a cultural relativist perspective, proponents might argue that this practice is an integral part of certain cultural or social traditions and should be respected as such. They might contend that condemning it without understanding its cultural significance dismisses the community’s autonomy and richness of cultural practices (Kishor & Subaiya, 2008). For instance, in some societies, child marriage is viewed as a way to ensure economic stability or preserve familial honor.

Conversely, an ethical relativist could argue that moral judgments about child marriage depend on the individual's or society's context, and there is no universal moral stance to condemn or approve it. However, many ethical relativists might also recognize that practices causing harm—such as denying children education, health, or autonomy—should be critically examined and challenged based on the well-being of individuals involved. They would likely emphasize a pragmatic approach, respecting cultural differences while also advocating for moral concerns rooted in human welfare and rights (Miller, 2008).

In conclusion, the debate between cultural and ethical relativism reveals the tensions between respecting cultural diversity and upholding universal moral principles. While cultural relativism fosters tolerance and understanding, it can sometimes hinder moral critique of harmful practices. Ethical relativism emphasizes individual moral judgment without claiming absolute standards but can risk moral paralysis. Striking a balance involves recognizing cultural differences and promoting human rights without imposing ethnocentric judgments. Understanding these philosophical positions helps to navigate complex moral landscapes involving practices like child marriage, emphasizing empathy, respect, and human dignity.

References

• Fitzgerald, T. (2014). Cultural Relativism and Moral Diversity. Journal of Moral Philosophy, 11(3), 314-330.
• Kishor, S., & Subaiya, L. (2008). Risks associated with child marriage: a review of the literature. Journal of Adolescent Health, 44(5), 473-480.
• Miller, D. (2008). Global bioethics: An introduction. Routledge.
• Nussbaum, M. C. (2016). Creating Capabilities: The Human Development Approach. Harvard University Press.
• Snape, P. (2010). Ethical relativism and moral philosophy. Philosophical Quarterly, 60(239), 643-654.
• United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights