Question #1
Morality is a broad and controversial subject that does not have one simple, clear-cut definition. Rather it is composed of several different ethical theories. Throughout this course so far we have talked about Cultural Relativism, Subjectivism, Divine Command Theory, Ethical Egoism, and Social Contract. Each of these theories has their own unique takes on what a person’s morals should be based off and how they are perceived. One theory that stems from morality is known as Cultural Relativism. This concept essentially states that moral codes are distinctive amongst different cultures. In other words, what is acceptable in one culture may horrify another and therefore a culture’s customs cannot be deemed “correct” or “incorrect” …show more content…
An example of an ideal that is unacceptable in our culture would be Japan’s view on suicide. Seppuku or hara-kiri is the term for self-disembowelment, which is considered an honorable practice in Japan. This cultural practice derived from Samurais. Samurais would commit Seppuku to maintain or prevent losing his honor for both himself and his family (MartiniF). The suicide rate in Japan is extremely high because the people still follow that custom and believe it to be more honorable to kill themselves than to be a “disappointment” or a letdown. Contrastingly, Suicide in America is viewed very differently than it is in Japan. In our society, it is by no means at all encouraged or suggested. We provide counseling and numerous other preventative methods in hopes that our people will not kill themselves. While our two societies have very different takes on suicide, under Cultural Relativism, neither can be deemed a right or wrong …show more content…
One of Cultural Relativism’s appeals is that it results in people gaining respect for other cultures and their different customs. If all cultures were the same, then there would be no cultural diversity and we would only have one uniform culture. Also, because we cannot deem a custom correct or incorrect, Cultural Relativism prevents cultural conditioning. Rather than developing individual ideals we typically tend to adapt to the behaviors of those around us. While Relativism may have many appeals, it also has its shortcomings. I think that the biggest shortcoming of this theory would be that it gives people an excuse for despicable behavior because it is based off a person’s individual moral codes. For example, technically under this theory, the South could bring back slavery and reason that it is part of their cultural beliefs (it is relative to their culture). Also, a person could murder another person and reason that their moral code allows for
Morality is a broad and controversial subject that does not have one simple, clear-cut definition. Rather it is composed of several different ethical theories. Throughout this course so far we have talked about Cultural Relativism, Subjectivism, Divine Command Theory, Ethical Egoism, and Social Contract. Each of these theories has their own unique takes on what a person’s morals should be based off and how they are perceived. One theory that stems from morality is known as Cultural Relativism. This concept essentially states that moral codes are distinctive amongst different cultures. In other words, what is acceptable in one culture may horrify another and therefore a culture’s customs cannot be deemed “correct” or “incorrect” …show more content…
An example of an ideal that is unacceptable in our culture would be Japan’s view on suicide. Seppuku or hara-kiri is the term for self-disembowelment, which is considered an honorable practice in Japan. This cultural practice derived from Samurais. Samurais would commit Seppuku to maintain or prevent losing his honor for both himself and his family (MartiniF). The suicide rate in Japan is extremely high because the people still follow that custom and believe it to be more honorable to kill themselves than to be a “disappointment” or a letdown. Contrastingly, Suicide in America is viewed very differently than it is in Japan. In our society, it is by no means at all encouraged or suggested. We provide counseling and numerous other preventative methods in hopes that our people will not kill themselves. While our two societies have very different takes on suicide, under Cultural Relativism, neither can be deemed a right or wrong …show more content…
One of Cultural Relativism’s appeals is that it results in people gaining respect for other cultures and their different customs. If all cultures were the same, then there would be no cultural diversity and we would only have one uniform culture. Also, because we cannot deem a custom correct or incorrect, Cultural Relativism prevents cultural conditioning. Rather than developing individual ideals we typically tend to adapt to the behaviors of those around us. While Relativism may have many appeals, it also has its shortcomings. I think that the biggest shortcoming of this theory would be that it gives people an excuse for despicable behavior because it is based off a person’s individual moral codes. For example, technically under this theory, the South could bring back slavery and reason that it is part of their cultural beliefs (it is relative to their culture). Also, a person could murder another person and reason that their moral code allows for