Cultural Universals
I have chosen to write about why cultural universals pose a problem for moral relativism in this paper. I will begin by defining cultural universals (CU). Then, I will cite examples of such theory and continue by applying them to situations in which these similarities can be seen. Next, I will discuss how we can convince ourselves that a given standard of behavior is in fact a cultural universal. I will then define moral relativism as well as provide examples of cultural differences that are often cited in regards of moral relativism. Lastly, I will explain how the existence of cultural universals undermines moral relativism.
James Rachels believes that there are some moral rules that are common throughout differing cultures that is necessary in order to make society function properly (Rachels, 23). We should view social customs then in terms of whether or not those moral rules cultural practices benefit or hurt the people that are being affected by it (Rachels, 26). In his paper, “A Defense of Ethical Objectivism,” Louis Pojman provides us with his diversity thesis (Pojman, 39). The diversity thesis simply acknowledges the fact that different societies have different moral codes (Pojman, 39). For example, in some cultures cows are thought to be sacred and not to be touched (Rachels, 21) where in many other cultures this practice would seem strange and they would continue to kill cows for their meat. However, if someone were to examine these two cultures they would find that it is their beliefs that differ and not their values; the cultures in which place high importance on cows may believe that after death their loved ones return inhabiting a cow’s body which reflects other cultures honoring their dead (Rachels, 21). All cultures have respect for some form of deity; Jewish men wear a yarmulke as a way to show their reverence to God when worshiping whereas Christian men remove everything from the head before they go into places of worship (Pojman,
James Rachels believes that there are some moral rules that are common throughout differing cultures that is necessary in order to make society function properly (Rachels, 23). We should view social customs then in terms of whether or not those moral rules cultural practices benefit or hurt the people that are being affected by it (Rachels, 26). In his paper, “A Defense of Ethical Objectivism,” Louis Pojman provides us with his diversity thesis (Pojman, 39). The diversity thesis simply acknowledges the fact that different societies have different moral codes (Pojman, 39). For example, in some cultures cows are thought to be sacred and not to be touched (Rachels, 21) where in many other cultures this practice would seem strange and they would continue to kill cows for their meat. However, if someone were to examine these two cultures they would find that it is their beliefs that differ and not their values; the cultures in which place high importance on cows may believe that after death their loved ones return inhabiting a cow’s body which reflects other cultures honoring their dead (Rachels, 21). All cultures have respect for some form of deity; Jewish men wear a yarmulke as a way to show their reverence to God when worshiping whereas Christian men remove everything from the head before they go into places of worship (Pojman,