Relativism: The Tangible Theory
Since the beginning of rational thought, philosophers have searched for
the true meaning of morality. Many theorists have attempted to answer this
question with reasoning, in an attempt to find a universal set of rules, or a
way to distinguish right from wrong. Some theorists believe that this question
is best answered by a single moral standard, while others debate if there can be
a single solution. Cultural Relativism explores the idea that there can be no
one moral standard that applies to everyone at any given time. The Kantian
theory, on the other hand, states that a universal sense of duty, would most
benefit humankind. I believe that the Cultural Relativist theory takes into
consideration the different cultures that make up the population as a whole.
The idea of universal truth in ethics, is a myth. The customs of different
societies are all that exist. These customs can not be ?correct' or ?
incorrect' for that implies there is an independent standard of right and wrong
by which they may be judged. In today's global community people are
interacting more and we are now discovering, more then ever, how diverse
cultures and people really are. For these reasons the Cultural Relativist
theory best defines what morality is, and where it came from.
Today all over the world people are communicating in ways never before
imagined. Cultural Relativism believes that one set of morals will not
adequately adapt to the individuality of all the cultures and subcultures in the
world. What this means is that there is no one ...