Moral Relativism

Question 1

What does cultural relativism suggest about moral good?

Answer 1

Moral good is what is accepted as good by some cultures

This concept implies that morality varies from culture to culture.

Question 2

Who is associated with the anecdote about Darius and cultural practices regarding the dead?

Answer 2

Herodotus

Herodotus’s anecdotes illustrate the relativity of cultural practices.

Question 3

What was Darius’s reaction when asked to swap cultural practices regarding the dead?

Answer 3

He was met with disgust and hostility

This reaction highlights the deep attachments people have to their cultural customs.

Question 4

What does Franz Boas argue about cultural relativism?

Answer 4

It leads to tolerance and denies ethnocentrism

Boas believed that cultural relativism allows for multiple moral frameworks.

Question 5

What is Tilley’s stance on cultural relativism?

Answer 5

He argues that cultural relativism does not lead to tolerance

Tilley believes that if morality is based on cultural facts, it could justify intolerance.

Question 6

What does epistemic humility refer to?

Answer 6

The recognition that we lack the knowledge or experience to judge other cultures as morally wrong

It emphasizes forming opinions based on adequate understanding.

Question 7

According to Mary Midgley, what is unavoidable in cultural interaction?

Answer 7

Moral universalism

Midgley suggests that some actions provoke universal moral judgments regardless of culture.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: To tolerate something, we must already ______ it.

Answer 8

condemn

This implies that true tolerance requires an initial judgment against the act or idea.

Question 9

What does the anecdote of the samurai testing his sword on an innocent man illustrate?

Answer 9

Some actions invite obvious moral appraisals irrespective of culture

This indicates a potential universal moral plane.

Question 10

What is the implication of moral relativism on discussions about morality within a culture?

Answer 10

It prohibits discussion on morality

This can be troubling for philosophers who seek to engage in moral discourse.

Question 11

What is ethnocentrism?

Answer 11

Evaluating other cultures based on one’s own culture

Ethnocentrism can lead to biased judgments about different cultural practices.