Relativism Shrinking the scope of truth and objectivity to fit the boundaries of custom and culture

Relativisms Descriptive relativism: The Callatians and the Greeks. How to dispose of ancestor remains. Jesus or Judas? Americans cheer the empathetic sage; the Sawi of New Guinea cheer the “master of treachery.” Obedience to authoritative tradition or autonomy? Kinky Eskimo customs

Cultural Relativism There is no independent standard of morality by which to judge the customs of other cultures. The notion of right is in the folkways…. Whatever is, is right….the authority of the ancestral ghosts. PEACE CHILD

Five Relativist Claims Different societies have different moral claims The moral code of a society determines what is right There is no objective standard for judging cultural norms Our society’s moral code has no special status It is arrogant to judge other cultures, since moral beliefs are culturally determined, tolerance is a more appropriate attitude than condemnation.

What’s wrong with relativism? Diversity of moral belief is not sufficient to establish that no objective criteria for moral decision making exists. Seems to imply that UN attempts to end human rights violations are misguided. Seems to imply that we cannot critique Fox News and the Tea Party Patriots. Seems to deny the reality of moral progress. Seems to deny the value of moral reformers.

Values common to all cultures Promoting human welfare seems to have many common elements across diverse cultures. How moral beliefs can be based on empirically false claims. Violations of human rights must be condemned. (Implies a standard) Fauziya Kassindja

Universal Declaration on Human Rights All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.