Ethics Chapter 1 Lesson 2 Cultural Relativism

Lesson 2: CULTURAL RELATIVISM
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the discussion, the students are expected to:
• Understand the cultural relativism; and
 Discuss the strength and weakness of cultural relativism.
Pre-discussion:
As a group, talk about cultural similarities and differences be-
tween Filipinos and other nations. Then act out a scene that shows
these cultural differences.
It’s time to Learn!
What to expect:
In some countries, children are allowed to marry but in most countries this is
unacceptable. Divorce is not allowed in the Philippines, but Filipino Muslim men
and women can legally divorce their perspective wife or husband. Why there are so
many differences in societies on what is acceptable or not? Is it true that different
culture have radically different moral codes? Are there any values that all societies
commonly have? This lesson will discuss the advantages of culture relativism and
the dangers of holding this viewpoint.
CONTENT/DISCUSSION
Why can’t all cultural practices be always correct?
The world is wide and huge. Part of what the world inter-
esting is that it is home to different groups of people who have
developed their own unique outlook on how to survive and
thrive. These differences led people to view life differently and
live completely different lifestyle.
Cultural relativism explains why one behavior or practice

is completely acceptable by a particular group of people, while it
is taboo in another. It refers to the idea that values, knowledge,
and behavior of people must be understood within its own cul-
tural context, and not by the standards of other cultures. Hence,
all moral and ethical standards (or the judgment of what is right
or wrong) is valid and there is not “one” standard that is “better”
among all others.
Philosopher and university professor Dr. James Rachels
(1941-2003), in his book the elements of Moral Philosophy, laid out
five claims of cultural relativists as to why right or wrong is only a
matter of cultural standards. These claims are:
1. Different societies have moral codes.

2. The moral code of a society determines what is right or
wrong. There is no objective standard considered better than
others.
3. There are no universal moral truths.
4. The moral code of a particular society has no special status. It
is but one among many.
5. It is arrogant for one culture to judge another culture. There
should be tolerance among cultures.
The Advantages and Dangers of Cultural Relativism

Rachels identified two positive lessons we can learn from cultural
relativism.
1. It warns us from assuming that our preferences are the abso-

lute rational standard.
2. It teaches us to keep an open mind and to be amenable in dis-
covering the truth.
Many of our practices are relevant only our particular com-

munity. This implies our moral views are a reflection of our society’s
prejudices. Cultural relativism makes us understand that what we
think as truth may actually be just the result of cultural conditioning.
On the other hand, the dangers of cultural relativism are:

1. We cannot call out societal practices that promote harm.
2. We cannot justifiably criticize our own cultures harmful prac-
tices.
3. The idea of social progress becomes doubtful.
You Tube link:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzT-RDrWbZo
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAwljx5Ms2A
LEARNING ACTIVITY 1: Queen Bee Alert!
Direction: Tell your classmates what you think:
Watch a special report from ABC News “White Supremacist

Moves Into Town”. This person’s actions are consistent with his cul-
tural belief that white people are superior. Would a cultural relativist
be correct in maintaining that nobody has the moral basis to complain
about the white supremacist’s action because he was just following
what he believed was right?
Answer:
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LEARNING ACTIVITY 2: Question/s
Direction:
1. Explain the position in ethics called cultural relativism. Dis-

cuss its strengths and weaknesses.
Answer:
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Lesson 2: CULTURAL RELATIVISM

 Discuss the strength and weakness of cultural relativism.

Why can’t all cultural practices be always correct?

Cultural relativism explains why one behavior or practice

1. Different societies have moral codes.

The Advantages and Dangers of Cultural Relativism

1. It warns us from assuming that our preferences are the abso-

Many of our practices are relevant only our particular com-

On the other hand, the dangers of cultural relativism are:

You Tube link:

Direction: Tell your classmates what you think:

Watch a special report from ABC News “White Supremacist

LEARNING ACTIVITY 2: Question/s

1. Explain the position in ethics called cultural relativism. Dis-

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