James Rachels, The Challenge of Cultural Relativism - Admission/Application Essay Example

Cultural relativism Cultural relativism is the perception that all customs, ethics and beliefs are relevant and related to persons within their social content. Cultural Relativism challenges the human way of thinking on universality and objectivity of moral truth. Due to this aspect, it is right to argue that ‘If cultural relativism were true, then we could no longer say that the customs of other societies are morally inferior to our own’ (Rachels & Rachels, 42).Western and Muslim women dress codes Both the western and Muslim cultures are perceived to be dominated by men due to the dress cored of the women in these cultures.

However different the customs of these two cultures may seem, the ultimate translation is the same thus making both cultures equal strengths in the moral viewpoints. If cultural relativism was true then people would not criticize the basic cods of conducts in their own societies. This notion supports the argument that, ‘If cultural relativism were true, then the idea of moral progress would be called into doubt’ (Rachels & Rachels, 57). Africa Americans street demonstration on the extended labour hoursSlavery was a culture used in the colonial era but is still used in the current culture where democracy is a decree for independence.

This factor indicates that the moral progress in human beings has not advanced which explains the practice of the colonial culture in the current democratic era.James Rachel argues that their some values are universal and common to all cultures. This is indeed true as many cultures tend to share a particular characteristic which is considered valuable in all cultures, for instance; the right to care for young children. This is a cultural practice in both the modern and the traditional cultures.

Traditional woman African takes care of her childModern woman takes care of her child Cultural relativism perpetuates that the difference in cultural views lies in the belief system of rather than their values (Rachels & Rachels, 63). In this case, Rachel concludes that some cultural values and practices result from the culture itself thus cannot be categories as morally right or wrong. In the Hispanic culture, important people are buried while sited. This practice might be considered to be wrong in other culture but is acceptable in the Hispanic culture.

Example of a Mayan burial Work citedRachels James & Rachels Stuart. The Elements of Moral Philosophy: New York. McGraw-Hill Education. 2011. Print