? – Benedict And Rachels Essay, Research Paper
Is morality relative? Ruth Benedict and James Rachels have opposing views on this conroversial question. Benedict, “a foremost American anthropologist who taught at Columbia University” (Pojman 370) believes that morality is relative to one’s culture and that one’s behavior which is deemed moral or immoral is dependent upon cultural norms. Her argument is as such:
1. Different cultures have radically different moral codes
2. There are no objective moral principles i.e. all moral principles are culturally relative
Rachels, “a professor at the University of Alabama” (Pojman 375) disagrees with Benedict and believes that morality is not relative. Furthermore he holds Benedicts “Cultural differences argument” to be invalid.
One who sides with Bendedict would also agree with a quote from her book “Patterns of
Culture” that “morality differs in every society and is a convenient term for socially approved habits.” This quote seems logical, simply stated it means cultures approve of rituals and beliefs that the entire society shares. Society defines what is moral at a certain point in time. Morality is adaptive and can shange over time, however it is still dependent upon its culture to decide whether it is accepted or not accepted. For example, in the early twentieth century, pre-marital sex was considered a huge sin and looked down upon with disgrace. A person’s entire character was jeopordized if they had participated in pre-marital sex. Today however, although pre-marital sex is not considered virtuous, society does not cast aside those who have sex before marriage. It is considered normal as a matter of fact to have several partners before marriage, that is , if you even decide to get married (another topic that has lost importance over time).
Certain cultural norms may change over time, however using the same example (pre-marital) some cultures are just radically different. For instance, some African tribes are known to sew a woman’s vagina closed when she is young to prevent her from being able to have intercourse before she is married.; If she is not sytill sewn shut on her wedding night, she is cast out and considered a filthy whore.
To our culture, this seem entirely too drastic, but to those tribes, this is a ritual that has been practiced throughout their history and is considered a rite of passage when a girl reaches puberty.
Benedicts also gives an example to further prove her point that morality and or normality is culturally relative. She gives the example of a man in a Melanesian society who was referred to as “silly and simple and definitely crfazy” because he liked to share and to help people and do nice things for them. In the United States , these are virtuous qualities. If you are stingy and not helpful you are looked down upon, but in this contrasting society, to share and be helpful is so disgraceful that one is ridiculed for possessing thaose traits or even condemned for them.
One who believes that morality is relative could give further example of traits that are despised in one culture but admired in a different culture. History and evolution provide codes of what is accepted in a culture, things such as sorcery, homosexuality, polygamy, male dominance, euthanasia, these things are completely dependant upon its society to define its morality.
One who opposes the Cultural Differences Argument would believe that morality is not relative and is shared throughout all cultures. He/she would agree with Rachels, stating that the Cultural Differences Argument is invalid becasuse premis number one, which states that “different cultures have radically different moral codes” is wrong because the differences are not radical, and there are universal truths. One could point out that all societies have an inate tendency to care for their young and other young in general, or that murder is not accepted in any culture.
One could also argue that using the prusit of truth as an example will show that morality is not relative. Instead, universal morality exists, but not all cultres are aware of it. Rachels gives the example that some societies believe thayt the earth is flat, however we bleieve that the earth is round. Rachels uses this to show that the underlying fact is simply that they disagree. He further states “there is no reason to thing that if the world is round everyone must know it. Similarly , there is no reason to thing that if there is moral truth everyone must know it”.
Другие работы по теме:
The Endless Quest For The Universalization Of
Morality Essay, Research Paper The Endless Quest for the Universalization of Morality Throughout history, philosophers have been preoccupied with the notion of a universal “right” and “wrong”. Philosophers want to have a sort of morality measuring stick that would enable them to judge a person’s decision as being morally right or wrong, independent of the situation and circumstances that led to that decision.
Vietnam Essay Research Paper Harold
Vietnam Essay, Research Paper Harold “Light Bulb” Bryant’s portrayals of life in the Vietnam War offend the human race. Not so much the actions Bryant displayed, but the demeanor of the U.S. armed forces. Through Bryant’s stories one comes to the conclusion that war made these people completely mad, and lost every bit of morality.
The Passage For Nietzsche On Religion Rhetorical
Devices Essay, Research Paper Following is an excerpt from Twilight of the Idols by Nietzsche. The most general formula at the basis of every religion and morality is: ‘Do this and this, refrain from this and this – and you will be happy! Otherwise….’ Every morality, every religion is this imperative – I call it the great original sin of reason, immortal unreason.
Absoluve Versus Relative Evil Essay Research Paper
Danny RheeEnglish IIIDecember 22, 1998 Absolute Versus Relative Evil As absolute evil is compared to relative evil, one can conclude that our society today, molds evil as relative. By trying to find the root of absolute evil, it may have been pronounced beyond the breech of our imaginations. An example of absolute evil has existed beyond our belief, absolute evil has been demonstrated in many aspects of life, one example would be during the anglo-saxon time period, in the short story Beowulf.
Morality Is Relative Essay Research Paper James
Morality Is Relative Essay, Research Paper James Rachels’ article, “Morality is Not Relative,” is incorrect, he provides arguments that cannot logically be applied or have no bearing on the statement of contention. His argument, seems to favor some of the ideas set forth in cultural relativism, but he has issues with other parts that make cultural relativism what it is.
Everyman Vs The Pardoner
’s Tale Essay, Research Paper Morality is strongly lacking in present society, as it was lacking in society in medieval times. The play, Everyman, and the short story, The Pardoner?s Tale, are both literary works which try to educate the reader in the proper ways of life. Everyman?s theme seems to aim toward educating the reader on the reasons why death comes to all people.
Socrates And Ethics Why One Should Be
Moral Essay, Research Paper Why should one be moral? Epistemology deals with truth versus opinion. Questions include what is truth, and what is its source? Is truth absolute or relative? Lastly, Ethics deals with right and wrong. It also deals with the interactions between people and their society.
Child Morality Essay Research Paper The Child
Child Morality Essay, Research Paper The Child as a Moral Philosopher In this Article ? The Child as a Moral Philosopher,? psychologist Lawrence Kolberg gives a clear description of his theory of moral development. Kolberg uses the studies of seventy-five American boys of varying ages. He also uses boys from other cultures for instance Great Britain, Canada, Taiwan, Mexico and Turkey.
Catholic Morality Essay Research Paper Morality can
Catholic Morality Essay, Research Paper Morality can be defined as being able to be good in character or conduct; virtuous according to civilized standards of right or wrong; each person has their own ?moral standards? which they consider to be right. The Catholic Church also has a version of what being moral entails.
Five Ripe Pears And On Morality Essay
, Research Paper Morality is, in essence, subjugated by he who defines it. This being the case, morality (defined as right or wrong, good or evil) is malleable as long as it does not impede upon any ipso facto virtue (Didion). In the essay On Morality , by Joan Didion, this aspect on morality is composed. This will be utilized to verify that William Saroyan s (author of Five Ripe Pears) guilt of an immoral action is conflicting given specified conditions.
Morality Essay Research Paper
“Morality is the understanding of the way of life. It is generally recognized that intelligence is the commodity that gives humanity power over all” (Atkinson 1). What is not understood is the dependence of this facility on a foundation of unquestioned values and morals. Human values, values learned, understanding values and moral reasoning only emphasize.
Morality Does Need Religion Essay Research Paper
Morality Does Need Religion In his essay, C. Stephen Layman clashes two views of morality: that of the secular point of view and the religious point of view. Layman starts out by defining the two different stances. The secular point of view states that there is no after life and that morality was an emergent phenomenon.
Divine Command Theory Essay Research Paper The
Divine Command Theory Essay, Research Paper The Divine Command Theory Religion and ethics are seen to be somehow inseparable in our culture. Religious leaders are usually appealed to in some capacity when
Adolescence And Moral Development Essay Research Paper
Adolescence and Moral Development Two major reasons exist for studying moral development and during adolescence. First, congnitive changes that occur during adolescence are related to moral develpment. formal operational thinking allows the adolescent to interpret the social environment in new and different ways.
Example Of Scientifi Method Essay Research Paper
Scientific Method ? Deforestation in Rhondonia, Brazil Observation: In one of the major regions of deforestation, the province of Rhondonia, Brazil, the rainfall has been severely and or completely stopped.
What Does It Mean To Be Moral
Essay, Research Paper What does it mean to be moral? Our morality is used every day in every situation and decision we make. Morality is very much a part of who you are. To be a person who is moral you know what is right and wrong on your own.
Morality Theory Essay Research Paper MoralityThrough out
Morality Theory Essay, Research Paper Morality Through out the evolutionary process of rules and regulations that we abide by, we come to a discrete conclusion that religion and its “morality” have complete power over our beings. Morality is the quality of being in accord with standards of right or good conduct.
Nietzsche Essay Research Paper The Morality of
Nietzsche Essay, Research Paper The Morality of Passions by Nietzsche presents a view of man s relationship with passion contrary to the tradition and thought of major religion and proclaimed moral gurus. His main criticism of the way the church deals with passion is that it does not suggest spiritualizing the feelings that we all have approaching them as beautiful and good, but makes a thoughtless and quick judgement immediately.
Morality And Religion Debate Essay Research Paper
In an organized religion debate, Alan Dershowitz and Alan Keyes contended many issues on religion and morality. Alan Dershowitz, a Harvard law professor, believed that “morality can be maintained without religion.” He also stated that it must be maintained without religion because times have changed.
Errors Essay Research Paper Absolute Errors Since
Errors Essay, Research Paper Absolute Errors Since no measurement is exact, there will always be the possibility of an error. Numbers are often rounded off to a certain number of significant figures or
Freidrich Nietzsche Essay Research Paper Friedrich Nietzsche
Freidrich Nietzsche Essay, Research Paper Friedrich Nietzsche, a unique philosopher had some very interesting ideas about people?s human values and personality types. In this essay I will explain what I like and dislike about his ?Master Morality? & his antithesis to this, ?Slave Morality?.
Socrates 2
Socrates – The Republic Essay, Research Paper The theme of The Republic is very complicated in some ways; it is a manual of sorts, which demonstrates how society can achieve virtue. In the beginning of the Republic, we are introduced to the fundamental question of the rest of the text, whether it is more beneficial to live justly (moral) or unjustly (immoral).
Government And Morality In 20Th Century America
Essay, Research Paper Government and Morality in 20th Century America On July 4, 1776, a general congress of the English colonies of the Americas assembled in Philadelphia and combined their experience, education, and frustration to compose the Declaration of Independence. This document, which even today tells the story of how our country was started, speaks of the religious and moral persecution that our forefathers were forced to bear for years upon years.
Plato Vs Nietzche- The Nature Of
Good Essay, Research Paper Plato Vs. Nietzsche: The Nature of Good Plato and Nietzsche have opposing views on the nature of good. Plato, as demonstrated in the “The Cave” and “Apology,” believes that Good is absolute. This means that he is of the opinion that there is one perfect version of Good for all people, whether they are rich or poor, powerful or weak.
Moral Standards Essay Research Paper ARE MORAL
Moral Standards Essay, Research Paper ARE MORAL STANDARDS ?RELATIVE?? Ethics are moral principles or values that specify acceptable conduct, and determine how an institution will be governed. According to Shanahan and Wang, in their book Reason and Insight, the subject of ethics is morality, which is concerned with the practices, judgments, principles, and beliefs that guide people?s actions.
Modern Morality What Is Best Essay Research
Paper What is Best? To say that modern morality consists in accepting the standard of one’s age is to say that human morality changes with the passing of time. This statement is unacceptable. Morality is not something of a fad. Morality should not go through trends like the clothes we wear or popular music, morality is the foundation in which our society is embedded in, a foundation from which human values and standards are derived.
Morality Essay Research Paper Morality is the
Morality Essay, Research Paper Morality is the cooperation of the part to the whole in order to instill conformity in everyone. How does society place morality on people? One of the major methods is through religion. Using the Devil as a catharsis, the single-shared belief in some type of God brings people together in conformity, ethically.
Spanking Essay Research Paper In western society
Spanking Essay, Research Paper In western society, spanking is often not seen as a suitable way to discipline youth. In fact, spanking is a good way to discipline by helping to build self-awareness and morality, it is beneficial to
Individual Morality Vs Flawed Social Morality In
“Huck Finn” Essay, Research Paper Individual Morality Vs. Flawed Social Morality In “Huck Finn” Throughout the tale of Huckleberry Finn, morality plays a very prominent role. Specifically; it is social morality that plays such an important role, social morality being the prevailing social morality of the general population.
The Great Gatsby Morality And Gatsby Essay
, Research Paper The Great Gatsby: Morality and Gatsby Morality is a very controversial issue. That is one of the reasons what people are interested in reading about it. Morality can lead to many questions
Morality In Our Society Essay Research Paper
Is There Morality in Our Society? Everyone has morals, values, attitudes, and opinions about everything. There is probably not one person that agree s with another on every issue. So I wonder, where do these opinions and moral s come from? An imaginative man in history, John Calvin, believed that the second you are conceived, your life is predetermined for you.