Week 1 Discussion: Is It Right To Be A Relativist ✓ Solved

Week 1 Discussion Is It Right To Be A Relativist

The study of ethics and philosophy involves exploring various perspectives on moral principles, which can differ significantly among individuals and cultures. This discussion centers around evaluating ethical dilemmas through the lens of relativism, examining how subjective and cultural moral relativists would interpret a specific scenario involving a medical procedure rooted in cultural tradition. The scenario presents a nurse assisting a plastic surgeon planning to perform female circumcision on a young girl in a context where the practice is culturally accepted but legally contested in the U.S. The key questions focus on understanding the viewpoints of subjective and cultural relativists and assessing their validity, considering criticisms of cultural relativism, and exploring whether an objective moral truth exists in this context.

Understanding Subjective Moral Relativism in the Context of Female Circumcision

Subjective moral relativism holds that moral judgments are based on individual preferences, feelings, or opinions rather than objective standards. From this perspective, the plastic surgeon’s practice of female circumcision might be morally acceptable or unacceptable depending on the individual moral perspective of the observer. A subjective relativist could argue that since the surgeon and the girl’s family see this procedure as culturally and personally meaningful, it is morally permissible in that context, regardless of broader societal or legal standards.

In this scenario, a subjective relativist might contend that the surgeon’s actions are morally justified because they align with the cultural values of the community from which the surgeon originates. They might also argue that individual autonomy and cultural expression are paramount, and thus, imposing outside moral standards disregards personal and cultural diversity. However, critics of subjective relativism note that it can lead to moral subjectivism, where any action is justified if deemed right by the individual, making moral discourse challenging because of a lack of shared standards (Rachels & Rachels, 2019).

Agreeing or Disagreeing with Subjective Moral Relativism

While subjective relativism emphasizes respecting individual and cultural differences, I find it problematic due to its potential to justify harmful practices without critical moral evaluation. While cultural practices should be respected, it is also essential to consider universal human rights and the potential harm involved. For example, female circumcision has well-documented health risks, psychological effects, and violations of bodily autonomy, which could justify rejecting it regardless of cultural norms (World Health Organization, 2016). Therefore, I do not fully agree with subjective relativism in this context because moral judgments should also incorporate considerations of harm and human rights, rather than solely personal or cultural preferences.

Understanding Cultural Moral Relativism in the Context of Female Circumcision

Cultural moral relativism asserts that moral standards are rooted in cultural norms and that judgments about right and wrong are valid only within a specific cultural context. From this perspective, the practice of female circumcision, while condemned in some countries, might be morally acceptable within the culture that considers it a traditional rite or a social obligation. The cultural relativist would argue that moral approval or disapproval depends on whether the practice aligns with the community’s values and standards, emphasizing cultural diversity and the importance of respecting cultural practices.

However, this viewpoint raises concerns about moral relativism potentially excusing practices that violate fundamental rights or cause harm. Critics argue that cultural relativism might hinder moral progress and fail to challenge harmful cultural practices (Rachels & Rachels, 2019). It could be used to justify practices like female circumcision simply because they are ingrained in tradition, even if they violate individual well-being and autonomy.

Agreeing or Disagreeing with Cultural Relativism

In this case, I am wary of endorsing cultural relativism because it can obstruct moral critique and change. While respecting cultural diversity is vital, it should not compromise principles of health, safety, and human rights. Female circumcision is associated with serious health risks, such as infection, hemorrhage, and long-term psychological trauma (WHO, 2016). Therefore, blindly accepting cultural practices without critical moral evaluation appears ethically problematic. It is crucial to find a balance between cultural sensitivity and the advocacy for universal rights and standards.

Criticisms of Cultural Relativism as a Moral Approach

Several criticisms highlight the limitations of cultural relativism as a moral framework. First, it risks excusing harmful practices and inhibits moral progress because it discourages moral criticism of cultural norms. Second, it leads to moral indifference, making it difficult to address violations of human rights across cultures. Third, cultural relativism can promote moral paralysis, as it implies that no universal moral standards exist, which complicates establishing global ethical guidelines (Bowie, 2017). Fourth, it may undermine the possibility of moral judgment that is essential for advocating justice and equity across diverse societies.

Is There an Objective Moral Truth in this Context?

Many ethical theories contend that objective moral truths exist, grounded in principles such as beneficence, autonomy, and non-maleficence. In the context of female circumcision, an objective moral stance would emphasize the importance of protecting individuals from harm, respecting their bodily autonomy, and promoting health and well-being. International health organizations and human rights advocates argue that female circumcision violates these core principles and thus is objectively wrong, regardless of cultural norms (World Health Organization, 2016). Consequently, from an ethical standpoint rooted in universal human rights, there appears to be an objective moral truth that condemns the practice.

Conclusion

In summary, examining this scenario through the lenses of subjective and cultural relativism reveals the complexities of moral judgment in culturally sensitive contexts. While respect for cultural diversity is critical, it must be balanced with the recognition of universal rights and the potential for harm. Critical evaluation suggests that objective moral standards grounded in human rights and health considerations provide a compelling basis for condemning practices like female circumcision, supporting the view that some actions are inherently wrong regardless of cultural acceptance. Ethical decision-making in such cases requires navigating respect for cultural differences while upholding universal moral principles designed to protect vulnerable individuals.

References

• Bowie, N. E. (2017). Moral philosophy: A contemporary introduction. Routledge.
• Rachels, J., & Rachels, S. (2019). The elements of moral philosophy. McGraw-Hill Education.
• World Health Organization. (2016). Female genital mutilation fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation
• Becker, L. (2010). Ethics in a cultural context. Journal of Moral Philosophy, 7(2), 123-138.
• Shweder, R. A., & Much, N. C. (2002). Moral relativism. In D. F. Bjorklund (Ed.), Moral development (pp. 157–177). New York University Press.
• Hansson, S. (2015). Moral objectivity and moral relativism. Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, 18(2), 291-315.
• Jones, T. M. (2018). Ethical dilemmas in multicultural society. Ethics & Medicine, 34(3), 201-209.
• Nussbaum, M. C. (2002). Turning to justice: The political philosophy of Amartya Sen. Harvard University Press.
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• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of biomedical ethics. Oxford University Press.