Question 1

What do you think Ruth Benedict would say about the morality of gay marriages in America in light of the fact that it is becoming more common?

Accepted Answer

Ruth Benedict, an influential anthropologist known for her work on cultural relativism, would likely argue that the morality of gay marriages in America should be viewed within the context of the cultural norms and values of the society in which they are taking place. Benedict believed that different cultures have their own unique moral codes and that it is important to understand and respect these differences.

In light of the increasing acceptance of gay marriages in America, Benedict might argue that this reflects a shift in cultural attitudes and values towards LGBTQ+ rights and equality. She would likely emphasize the importance of recognizing and respecting the diversity of moral beliefs and practices within a society, and the need to challenge any discriminatory or oppressive norms that may exist.

Overall, Benedict would likely support the increasing acceptance of gay marriages in America as a positive step towards greater cultural inclusivity and respect for diverse ways of life. She would likely advocate for a more inclusive and accepting society that values the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Question 2

Describe the four major approaches to dealing with moral differences outlined in the beginning of this chapter. Explain the approach that is closest to your own position.

Accepted Answer

The four major approaches to dealing with moral differences outlined in the beginning of this chapter are moral absolutism, moral relativism, moral pluralism, and moral skepticism.

Moral absolutism holds that there are objective moral truths that apply universally, regardless of cultural or individual differences. This approach emphasizes the existence of moral principles that are true for all people in all situations.

Moral relativism, on the other hand, argues that moral truths are relative to individual or cultural perspectives. This approach suggests that what is considered morally right or wrong can vary depending on the context and the beliefs of different individuals or societies.

Moral pluralism acknowledges the existence of multiple valid moral perspectives and allows for the coexistence of different moral beliefs and values. This approach emphasizes the importance of tolerance and understanding of diverse moral viewpoints.

Moral skepticism takes a more skeptical stance towards the possibility of knowing objective moral truths. This approach questions the existence of universal moral principles and may lead to a more agnostic or nihilistic view of morality.

The approach closest to my own position is moral pluralism. I believe that there are multiple valid moral perspectives and that different individuals and cultures may have their own legitimate moral beliefs and values. I value tolerance and understanding of diverse moral viewpoints and believe that it is important to recognize and respect the diversity of moral perspectives in the world.

Question 3

Why is hard universalism (sometimes called moral absolutism) the attitude most often supported by ethical theories as well as the attitude toward morals in everyday life? What does this say about the nature of ethics as a theoretical or reflective endeavor? Why might one prefer the consistency and universalism of this approach?

Accepted Answer

Hard universalism, or moral absolutism, is often supported by ethical theories and is the attitude toward morals in everyday life because it provides a clear and consistent framework for making moral judgments. This approach holds that certain actions are always right or wrong, regardless of the circumstances or consequences.

This attitude is often supported by ethical theories because it provides a strong foundation for moral reasoning and decision-making. It allows for clear and objective moral principles to guide behavior, which can be helpful in resolving moral dilemmas and conflicts. In everyday life, people often prefer this attitude because it provides a sense of certainty and stability in their moral beliefs and actions.

The prevalence of hard universalism in ethical theories and everyday life says something about the nature of ethics as a theoretical or reflective endeavor. It suggests that there is a desire for clear and consistent moral principles that can guide behavior and provide a sense of moral certainty. It also reflects a belief in the existence of objective moral truths that can be discovered and applied universally.

One might prefer the consistency and universalism of this approach because it provides a clear and unchanging standard for evaluating moral actions. It can also help to avoid moral relativism, which some may see as leading to moral confusion and inconsistency. Additionally, hard universalism can provide a sense of moral accountability and responsibility, as it holds individuals to a consistent standard of moral behavior.

Overall, the prevalence of hard universalism in ethical theories and everyday life suggests a desire for clear and consistent moral principles, as well as a belief in the existence of objective moral truths. This approach can provide a sense of moral certainty and accountability, which may be appealing to many individuals.

Question 4

Differentiate between descriptive and normative ethics. Can we always distinguish between descriptive and normative judgment?

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Question 5

Describe the theory of ethical relativism and illustrate it with an example from the text.

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Question 6

Discuss the implications of the story about the Persian king Darius, the Greeks, and the Callatians.

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Question 7

What kind of claim is Ruth Benedict making when she states that there are no universal moral standards? Explain the statement "We have no right to claim that our choice is better than any other culture's."

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Question 8

If one is to follow the idea of ethical relativism to its logical conclusion, then we would have no right to criticize or praise other cultures. Do you agree with this outcome? Why or why not?

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Question 9

If we accept ethical relativism, why must we "bow to moral majority rule"? Should we assume that the position of power will flow out of a democratic, numerical majority? Compare the situation in Afghanistan during the Taliban regime (1996-2001).

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Question 10

According to the theory of ethical relativism, what is the problem between professed morality and actual morality when it comes to assessing "normality" in a community? If moral norms are subjective between communities, how do specific communities enforce their norms on their individual members?

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Question 11

Explain why it is illogical to say that the claims made by ethical relativism are correct and at the same time that everybody ought to tolerate the moral views and traditions of other cultures.

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Question 12

Explain the problem of induction as it relates to the debate about moral norms.

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Question 13

What are the three values that were considered universal by James Rachels? Can you think of any others?

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Question 14

According to James Rachels, what is the reason behind all surviving cultures sharing certain moral values? Do you agree with him? Explain.

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Question 15

Describe the difference between inclusive and exclusive multiculturalism using the example of a school.

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Question 16

What does it mean to be an American? Discuss the notion of a "hyphenated American."

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Question 17

Explain how Alice Walker's novel Possessing the Secret of Joy can be viewed as an attack on ethical relativism. How might an ethical relativist respond to Alice Walker's attack?

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Question 18

In the context of the theme of female genital mutilation in Alice Walker's novel Possessing the Secret of Joy, do you find ethical relativism to be an appealing or a problematic moral theory? Explain your view.

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Question 19

Barbara Kingsolver's novel The Poisonwood Bible can be said to advocate an ethical relativist view or a soft universalist view. In your opinion, which view does Kingsolver support? Explain.

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Question 20

Do you think that the film Avatar represents the Na'vi culture as having better values than those of the colonel and his team? How would an ethical relativist logically answer this question? Explain.

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Quiz 3: Ethical Relativism