Lecture on Cultural Relativism and Moral Relativism

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to cultural and moral relativism as discussed in the lecture.

Cultural Relativism

The idea that different cultures hold different beliefs and values, and practice them in various ways without making judgments.

Moral Relativism

The view that moral judgments are true or false only relative to some particular standpoint, such as that of the individual or culture.

Proponents of Cultural Relativism

Argue that the norms and values of one culture should not be evaluated using the norms or values of another culture.

Descriptive Claim

A factual statement about what people believe or do, without evaluation.

Moral Progress

The idea that societies can evolve in their understanding of morality, such as the abolition of slavery.

Social Norms

Shared standards of acceptable behavior within a group, shaped by social values.

Subjectivism

The belief that moral truths depend solely on individual opinions and preferences.

Objective Moral Truths

Moral truths that would apply universally, regardless of individual or cultural beliefs.

Cultural Variation Argument

An argument for moral relativism that claims differing moral codes among cultures imply no objective truth in morality.

Consequences of Relativism

If taken seriously, relativism leads to the inability to claim moral superiority of one's culture over another.

Tolerance in Moral Relativism

The stance that demands tolerance of all beliefs, which becomes problematic if it is declared an objective truth.

Moral Standards Evaluated

Debate on whether moral standards are definitively from personal or group consensus or if certain standards are objectively true.

Critical Thinking Barriers

In moral discussions, all-or-nothing thinking can prevent recognizing nuanced moral truths.