Question 1

The passage from Herodotus illustrates
A) moral objectivism.
B) historical relativism.
C) cultural relativism.
D) Greek objectivism.

Accepted Answer

The passage describes a practice that was acceptable in one culture but unacceptable in another, suggesting that it is important to understand different cultures and their values in order to make accurate judgments. This is the foundation of cultural relativism, which emphasizes that moral standards are relative to the culture in which they arise.

Question 2

Ruth Benedict believes that moral relativism is
A) false.
B) a dubious view of morality.
C) logically incoherent.
D) the correct view of morality.

Accepted Answer

Ruth Benedict is known for her support of cultural relativism, which posits that moral codes and ethics are culturally relative rather than universal. This perspective aligns with the idea that what is considered morally right or wrong depends on the cultural context, thus supporting the view that moral relativism is the correct view of morality.

Question 3

James Rachels argues that the cultural differences argument is
A) sound.
B) not sound.
C) valid.
D) timely.

Accepted Answer

Rachels argues that the cultural differences argument is not sound in his article "The Challenge of Cultural Relativism." He states that just because different cultures have different values and beliefs, it does not mean that those values and beliefs are equally valid or should be accepted without question. He also argues that there are certain values, such as the value of human life, that are universal and should not be subject to cultural relativism.

Question 4

Rachels asserts that cultural relativism implies that the idea of moral progress is
A) plausible.
B) reasonable.
C) dubious.
D) coherent.

Accepted Answer

Rachels argues that cultural relativism undermines the possibility of moral progress because it denies the existence of objective moral standards that could be used to judge one culture as morally superior to another. Therefore, the idea of moral progress is dubious within the framework of cultural relativism.

Question 5

Cultural relativism implies that deciding whether actions are right or wrong is a matter of consulting the moral standards of
A) personal conscience.
B) one's society.
C) universal morality.
D) religious codes.

Accepted Answer

Cultural relativism suggests that moral standards vary across different cultures and societies. Therefore, the correct answer is that one should consult the moral standards of one's society to determine whether an action is right or wrong. Option A is incorrect because personal conscience may not align with cultural norms. Option C and D are also incorrect because they suggest the existence of universal or religious absolute moral standards, which cultural relativism denies.

Question 6

Rachels argues that often the differences between cultures lie not in their values but in their
A) geography.
B) moral systems.
C) belief systems.
D) ethical standards.

Accepted Answer

Rachels suggests that cultural differences often stem from differing belief systems rather than differing values, as the underlying values may be similar but are expressed through different beliefs and practices.

Question 7

Rachels shows that the main problem with the cultural differences argument is that
A) there is no objective truth in morality.
B) there are too many premises.
C) the conclusion follows from the premises.
D) the conclusion does not follow from the premises.

Accepted Answer

Rachels argues that just because different cultures have different moral beliefs, it does not mean that there is no objective truth in morality. Therefore, the conclusion that there is no objective truth in morality does not logically follow from the premise that cultural differences exist.

Question 8

David Enoch says that moral relativism is
A) the commonsense view.
B) not really opposed to moral objectivism.
C) unfounded.
D) reasonable.

Accepted Answer

Enoch argues that moral relativism is unfounded because it fails to provide a coherent and principled way of resolving moral disagreements or making moral progress. It also undermines the idea of moral responsibility and accountability, as well as the possibility of making moral judgments across different cultures and historical contexts. Thus, Enoch rejects moral relativism as a viable moral theory.

Question 9

If cultural relativism were true, we could no longer say that the customs of other societies are
A) morally permissible.
B) technologically inferior to our own.
C) different from our own.
D) morally inferior to our own.

Accepted Answer

Cultural relativism posits that there are no universal moral standards that can be applied to judge the practices of other cultures. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to label the customs of another society as morally inferior to our own, as this implies a judgment based on our own cultural values. Instead, cultural relativism requires us to suspend our own moral judgment and accept the practices of other societies as equally valid, even if they differ from our own.

Question 10

If cultural relativism were true, social reformers
A) could be morally right.
B) could not be morally right.
C) would be revered.
D) could not be morally wrong.

Accepted Answer

Cultural relativism posits that moral codes and ethical standards vary from culture to culture, and what is considered morally right in one culture may be seen as wrong in another. Therefore, if cultural relativism were true, social reformers who seek to change their society's norms could not be universally considered morally right, as their views would conflict with the existing moral standards of their culture.

Question 11

Rachels believes that infanticide among the Eskimos
A) does not signal a fundamentally different attitude toward children.
B) signals a fundamentally different attitude toward children.
C) is a myth.
D) shows a total disregard for the welfare of children.

Accepted Answer

Rachels argues that infanticide among the Eskimos does not signal a fundamentally different attitude toward children because it is primarily motivated by concern for the survival of the community as a whole, rather than a lack of concern for the individual child.

Question 12

According to Elshtain, for some time, judging in American culture has been
A) very popular.
B) widely accepted.
C) in bad odor.
D) in good taste.

Accepted Answer

Elshtain argues that for some time, judging in American culture has been in bad odor, meaning that it has been heavily criticized and viewed negatively.

Question 13

Elshtain believes that the nadir of judging in our culture is due in part to the
A) triumph of the ideology of judgment coupled with chauvinism.
B) triumph of the ideology of victimization coupled with philosophical discernment.
C) rise of cultural truths.
D) triumph of the ideology of victimization coupled with self-esteem mania.

Accepted Answer

Elshtain argues that the nadir of judging in our culture is due to the triumph of the ideology of victimization coupled with self-esteem mania, which prevents individuals from being able to accept criticism or acknowledge their mistakes, leading to a culture of blame-shifting and an inability to grapple with complex issues.

Question 14

David Enoch says that until we get a conclusive argument against moral objectivity,
A) we should remain relativists.
B) objectivism should be the view to beat.
C) we should withhold our commitment to objectivism.
D) we should adopt utilitarianism.

Accepted Answer

David Enoch argues that in the absence of a conclusive argument against moral objectivity, objectivism should be considered the default or "the view to beat." This means that unless there are compelling reasons to reject moral objectivity, it should remain the prevailing perspective.

Question 15

Elshtain asserts that an ideology of victimization
A) furthers the cause of women's rights.
B) promotes a self capable of discernment.
C) hurts the cause of women's rights.
D) promotes a self of strength.

Accepted Answer

Elshtain argues that an ideology of victimization, which portrays women as powerless victims of a society that is inherently oppressive, actually hurts the cause of women's rights. She believes that such an ideology undermines the agency and autonomy of women, and perpetuates a culture of victimhood that prevents women from taking proactive steps towards improving their own situations.

Question 16

Midgley suggests that moral isolationism
A) makes perfect sense.
B) makes no sense at all.
C) is respectful.
D) is about judging.

Accepted Answer

Midgley argues that moral isolationism, the idea that different cultures should not criticize one another's moral beliefs and practices, makes no sense at all, because it would prevent any meaningful conversations about ethical issues across cultures and ultimately lead to moral relativism.

Question 17

Midgley insists that real moral skepticism could lead only to
A) action.
B) an interest in moral questions.
C) intelligent debate.
D) inaction.

Accepted Answer

Midgley argues that real moral skepticism, which doubts the existence of any moral truths, would logically lead to inaction because it undermines the motivation to act on moral principles.

Question 18

David Enoch's theory of morality is
A) absolutist.
B) nihilistic.
C) subjectivist.
D) objectivist.

Accepted Answer

David Enoch's theory of morality is objectivist, as he argues that moral truths exist independently of our beliefs, experiences, or attitudes.

Question 19

David Enoch argues that there is not yet a conclusive argument against
A) moral objectivism.
B) moral relativism.
C) subjectivism.
D) natural law.

Accepted Answer

David Enoch argues that there is not yet a conclusive argument against moral objectivism, suggesting that this view may still have merit in the ongoing debates in moral philosophy. However, arguments have been raised against moral relativism, subjectivism, and natural law theories.

Question 20

David Enoch tries to show that
A) few of us assume an objectivist theory of morality.
B) moral relativism is a more natural stance than objectivism.
C) almost everyone assumes an objectivist theory of morality.
D) it's difficult to believe in objective morality.

Accepted Answer

Enoch argues that most people assume an objectivist theory of morality, even if they may not realize it or explicitly articulate it. He criticizes moral relativism and argues for the existence of objective moral truths.

Quiz 3: Is Everything Relative

The passage from Herodotus illustrates

Ruth Benedict believes that moral relativism is

James Rachels argues that the cultural differences argument is

Rachels asserts that cultural relativism implies that the idea of moral progress is

Cultural relativism implies that deciding whether actions are right or wrong is a matter of consulting the moral standards of

Rachels argues that often the differences between cultures lie not in their values but in their

Rachels shows that the main problem with the cultural differences argument is that

David Enoch says that moral relativism is

If cultural relativism were true, we could no longer say that the customs of other societies are

If cultural relativism were true, social reformers

Rachels believes that infanticide among the Eskimos

According to Elshtain, for some time, judging in American culture has been

Elshtain believes that the nadir of judging in our culture is due in part to the

David Enoch says that until we get a conclusive argument against moral objectivity,

Elshtain asserts that an ideology of victimization

Midgley suggests that moral isolationism

Midgley insists that real moral skepticism could lead only to

David Enoch's theory of morality is

David Enoch argues that there is not yet a conclusive argument against

David Enoch tries to show that