What Is The Difference Between Cultural And Ethical Relativi ✓ Solved

What is the difference between cultural ethical relativism (CER) and

Analyze and explain the differences between cultural ethical relativism (CER) and ethical perspectivism (EP). Discuss their fundamental principles, how they interpret moral standards, and their implications for ethical judgments across different cultures. Include definitions of each concept and compare their viewpoints regarding moral objectivity and cultural influence.

Additionally, evaluate the philosophical and practical consequences of adopting either CER or EP in ethical reasoning. Consider the debates surrounding moral relativism, the potential conflicts with universal moral principles, and how these theories impact cross-cultural ethical understanding and decision-making.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Ethical theories serve as frameworks to understand and evaluate moral beliefs and practices across diverse cultural contexts. Among these theories, cultural ethical relativism (CER) and ethical perspectivism (EP) offer contrasting viewpoints on the nature of morality and its cultural dependence. This paper aims to analyze and compare CER and EP, highlighting their core principles, differences, and implications for ethical judgment.

Definitions and Fundamental Principles

Cultural ethical relativism (CER) posits that moral standards are relative to specific cultures. According to CER, what is morally right or wrong depends on the cultural context, and no universal moral standards exist outside cultural norms (Hershovitz, 2004). This perspective emphasizes that moral judgments are products of cultural traditions and social practices, and thus, moral diversity reflects genuine differences rather than errors or errors to be corrected.

Ethical perspectivism (EP), on the other hand, suggests that individuals hold ethical views from their unique perspectives shaped by personal experiences and cultural backgrounds. Unlike CER, EP allows for the possibility of some universal moral truths but recognizes that each person's perspective influences moral judgment. It implies that moral truths may be accessible through empathetic understanding and dialogue, even though perspectives vary widely (Thomson, 1986).

Comparative Analysis

The primary difference between CER and EP lies in their approach to moral objectivity. CER embraces a form of moral relativism, asserting that moral truths are contingent on cultural norms, thereby rejecting the idea of universal morality (LaFollette, 2007). Conversely, EP allows for moral relativism at the individual level but leaves room for universal moral principles that can be understood through the admission of diverse perspectives.

While CER emphasizes the importance of respecting cultural differences and avoiding ethnocentrism, it faces criticism for potentially excusing immoral practices under cultural grounds (Shweder, 2003). EP aims to foster understanding and dialogue by acknowledging individual perceptions, but critics argue that it may lead to moral subjectivism or incoherence when conflicting perspectives clash without a resolution.

Implications for Ethical Judgments

The adoption of CER fosters tolerance and cultural sensitivity, but it can hinder moral critique of harmful practices within cultures. EP promotes empathy and open-mindedness, facilitating intercultural dialogue, yet it risks relativizing moral standards too much, undermining efforts to establish universal human rights (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013).

Conclusion

In summary, while both CER and EP recognize the influence of culture and individual perspectives on moral judgments, they differ significantly in their stance on moral objectivity and universality. CER emphasizes cultural sovereignty and moral diversity, whereas EP advocates for understanding individual perspectives while possibly recognizing some universal moral principles. Understanding these differences is crucial for navigating ethical dilemmas in multicultural contexts, balancing respect for cultural practices with the pursuit of universal human rights.

References

• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Hershovitz, S. (2004). Moral Relativism. Routledge.
• LaFollette, H. (2007). Ethics in Practice: An Anthology. Blackwell Publishing.
• Shweder, R. A. (2003). Cultural Psychology: What Is It? In The Culture of Morality (pp. 3-26). Cambridge University Press.
• Thomson, J. J. (1986). Practical Reasoning. The Monist, 69(4), 439-456.