Class notes 1-10-02
Prepared by Kyri Green

Relativism
-Cultural Relativism= morality is defined for each culture by what the majority in that culture believe and practice.
*Benefits
-respectful of other cultures' values
-less work, non-judgemental attitude, no agony over moral questions
-counteracts moral superiority ("a holier than thou" attitude), supports
open minded attitude
*Objections
-majority rule aspect, seems oppressive to the individual.
Unless you are supporting the status quo, you are immoral.
-Aren't there corrupt cultures or corrupt cultural practices? Ex Nazi
culture, Slavery in the U.S., women in Afganistan, female
circumcision. >Are these things ok because the majority believe it's ok and practice it or is there something inherently wrong? No moral absolute?
-Throws basic human rights out the window.
-Minority protest is always wrong
Rosa Parks and MLK were immoral according to a relativist point
of view.
-Moral progress is impossible. Implies an ideal or objective which you're
moving closer to.