Cultural Relativism: What Is Morally Wrong?

Cultural relativism in the context of normative ethics in theory is a moral theory that concludes that “the view that an action is morally right if one’s culture approves of it” (Vaughn). To elaborate, the theory of cultural relativism is a response to the question “What is morally right?” The premise being every culture has different values, and the conclusion being therefore an action is morally right if one of said culture’s approves of it. For example, suppose Bob and John are discussing if gun control is ethical. Bob asserts that gun control is morally right. John asks, what led you to that conclusion? Bob replies that our culture think it’s right. John asks why does the culture matter? Bobs says that what a culture approves of is right. This example satisfies the definition of cultural relativism because it illustrates the conclusion and main premise. The premise being that Bob’s culture believes that gun control is ethical, and the conclusion being that gun control is ethical because the culture believes it …show more content…
To elaborate, the theory of the divine command theory is a response to the question “What is morally right?” The premise being every religion has different values, and the conclusion being therefore an action is morally right if a religion approves of it. For example, Jordan asserts that the death penalty is morally wrong. Beth asks, what lead you to that conclusion? Jordan replies that the death penalty is morally wrong because God says that killing others is wrong. Beth asks, what does what god thinks matter? Jordan replies that what God thinks is morally right. The premise being that Jordan believes that the death penalty is wrong because God believes it is wrong, and the conclusion being that the death penalty is wrong because God doesn’t approve of