Anthropologist Ruth Benedict 1887 - 1948

The Landscape of Ethics Objectivism Subjectivism There is an objective standard There is no objective standard

Morality “Morality” a term for socially approved customs Relative to culture Moral Behavior: society categorizes as “normal”

Normalcy: Culturally Defined

Which is Benedict doing? Descriptive Prescriptive

Morality Descriptively: code of conduct put forward or accepted by a group or individual

Morality Normatively: prescribing a code of conduct

Cultural Relativism

Ethical Relativism

Dilemma God Society

Argument by Analogy

Analogy Language Morality What do we find in the case of language when we look at the world and different cultures?

Argument by Analogy Language/Morals 1. great numbers of possible phonic articulations 2. possibility of language depends upon a selection and standardization 3. selection is a non rational and subconscious process which goes on in groups for a long period of time and is historically conditioned by innumerable accidents of isolation or contact Morals 1. great numbers of possible behaviors 2. possibility of organized behavior depends upon a selection and standardization 3. selection a non rational and subconscious process which goes on in groups for a long period of time and is historically conditioned by innumerable accidents of isolation or contact

Possible Phonic Articulations

Possible Behaviors

Selection & Standardization good buono хороший bueno

Annie Oakley 1889 Historical Accident