Rachels refers to this as the “Cultural Differences Argument” (58). He
claims that it is unreasonable to conclude that there is no ‘objective truth
What according to Rachels is cultural relativism?
What, according to Rachels, is cultural relativism? …
different cultures have different ethical standards such as the way in which they practice
. for example, some groups eat their dead and other cremate. however, each differing practice (right or wrong particular to a culture) is “right” to that particular culture.
What is the cultural differences argument?
The Cultural Differences Argument: P1
Different cultures have different moral codes
C Therefore, there is no objective “truth” in morality. Right and wrong are only matters of opinion, and opinions vary from culture to culture. This argument is not sound, because it is not valid.
What are examples of cultural differences?
- Individualism vs. Collectivism. …
- Power Distance. In high Power Distance societies, hierarchical systems of assigned roles organise behaviour. …
- Uncertainty Avoidance. …
- Orientation to Time. …
- Gender Egalitarianism. …
- Assertiveness. …
- Being vs. …
- Humane Orientation.
Why is the cultural differences argument unsound?
cultural differences argument-different cultures
have different moral beliefs so there is no absolute truth with regard to moral beliefs
. however, because different cultures have different geographical beliefs, there is no absolute truth with regard to geographical beliefs. this makes the argument invalid.
What is a benefit of cultural relativism according to Rachels?
Cultural relativism serves as
a constant reminder that our culture is often reflected in our ethical beliefs
(65). Rachels argument is very convincing because he synthesizes many examples and uses them to support his claims. The Eskimo example, which was used multiple times, was especially compelling.
What can we learn from cultural relativism?
Cultural relativism is
the ability to understand a culture on its own terms and not to make judgments using the standards of one’s own culture
. … Using the perspective of cultural relativism leads to the view that no one culture is superior than another culture when compared to systems of morality, law, politics, etc.
Why is relativism wrong?
The problem with individual moral relativism is that
it lacks a concept of guiding principles of right or wrong
. … While thinkers of cultural relativism are clear that it is wrong to impose one’s own cultural values over another, some cultures hold a central value of intolerance.
What are examples of cultural issues?
- Employees are bored, discouraged and/or generally unhappy.
- Supervisors are under-equipped, so they over-supervise.
- Turnover is too high.
- Conflict or tension is palpable.
- Communication only flows down, and not up.
How do you explain cultural differences?
Cultural differences are the
various beliefs, behaviors, languages, practices and expressions
considered unique to members of a specific ethnicity, race or national origin.
What are 5 different cultures?
- Huli – Papua New Guinea. The Huli are one of the most famous tribes on Papua New Guinea, an island in Oceania that is home to hundreds of unique traditional tribes. …
- Kazakhs – Kazakhstan. …
- Rabari – India. …
- Loba – Nepal. …
- Gaúchos – South America.
What are the premises of the cultural differences argument according to Rachels Why is there less disagreement among cultures than it seems?
Why does Rachels think that there is less disagreement between cultures than there seems to be?
While each culture has their own customs, they usually reflect the same morals
. For example, two different cultures have customs when it comes to handling the dead but both customs have the end goal of respecting them.
Do all cultures have some values in common?
All cultures have characteristics such as initiations, traditions, history, values and principles, purpose, symbols, and boundaries.
How culture affects perceptions of time?
Time tends
to control and influence what people do in sequential cultures
, and many will find value in the expression ‘time is money’. People tend to manage their time quite differently than those from sequential cultures. In synchronic cultures, people will have a much broader and more flexible perception of time.
Is James Rachels is a cultural relativist?
Philosopher James Rachels has done a careful analysis and appraisal of cultural relativism in his modern classic entitled The Elements of Moral Philosophy. One of Professor Rachels’ key points is that cultural relativism is based on a faulty argument which he calls the cultural differences argument.
What does Rachels think is true if cultural relativism is true?
If Cultural Relativism is true, a social “reformer” cannot legitimately challenge the ideals of his or her society. Rachels
thinks it makes no sense to condemn some societies as inferior to our own
. Rachels believes that all cultural practices can be tested against a rational standard of rightness or wrongness.
