The Concept Of Cultural Relativism

This study will define the diversity of moral values through the theory of Cultural Relativism (CR) that refutes the paradigm that there is a “right” or “wrong” in the moral paradigms of differing cultures. Rachel defines the important moral question of macrocosmic moral paradigms that claim ”righteousness”, yet individual societies have their own moral codes that deviate from these norms. CR defines the importance of diverse moral perspectives throughout the world, which refute any type of absolutist definition of morality. This philosophical approach illustrates the problem of generalizations and overt pressures from differing societies, which may seek to impose their moral values onto other cultures. Therefore, CR defines the revelation

Rachel () defines the important features of Cultural Relativism (CR) that define the complex and diversified array of moral beliefs throughout the world. In this manner, the issue of morality often defines a diversity of beliefs that cannot be generalized and/or collectivized in terms of standardizing any type of “universal” claim:

To many thinkers, this observation—“Different cultures have different moral codes”—has seemed to be the key to understanding morality. The idea of universal truth in ethics, they say, is a myth. The customs of different societies are all that exist. These customs cannot be said to be “correct” or “incorrect” (Rachels 19).

This definition of CR is important because it defines the diversity of different cultural values, which cannot simply be altered or changed to serve a dominant moral or ethical cultural paradigm. In this manner, there are no “universal” claims of “correct” or “incorrect” moral conduct, but a wide range of moral beliefs that are formed in different societies. These definition of CR is important because it defines the possibility of a collective morality (in global terms) and the importance of individual (nation states, smaller societies, etc.) that may have different moral standards as a form of