What are three reasons why cultural relativism is not plausible?
Cultural relativism is the idea that culture and values should be judged within the context of their own culture. While this idea has some appeal, it is ultimately not plausible for several reasons. Firstly, it is impossible to truly step outside one's own culture and experience another objectively. Secondly, even if one could step outside of their own culture, there is no agreed-upon criteria for judging the relative merits of one culture over another. Finally, cultural relativism can lead to the acceptance of harmful practices that should not be tolerated. Ultimately, cultural relativism is not a plausible concept.
Why is cultural relativism self-defeating?
Cultural relativism is the concept that a particular culture's beliefs and values should be respected, regardless of whether those beliefs and values differ from one's own. However, this concept is self-defeating because, in order to respect all cultures, one must also respect those cultures that are oppressive, unjust, or otherwise unethical. This means that one must accept the principles of those cultures, even if those principles go against one's moral code. In order for cultural relativism to be effective, it must be balanced with a moral code that allows for the acceptance of different cultures while still being able to judge which cultures should be respected and which should not.
