Is Cultural Relativism An Absolute Or Universalist?

Philosophers have always been concerned with finding a criterion of moral rightness. Essentially, a core issue in moral philosophy involves identifying whether universally moral values exist or not. Accordingly, this essay will demonstrate that, although the relativist stance about the philosophical problem may initially seem quite compelling, the universalist theory ultimately proves itself to be more plausible and feasible. In other words, moral universalism will overrule cultural relativism inasmuch as the relativist argument discussed in this essay will fail to provide cogent responses to the universalist’s objections. However, to balance the debate, I will additionally highlight the benefits that the relativist theory brings to light,

The latter assessed the argument not only highlighting its flaws, but also keeping in consideration the morally right points raised. However, the cultural differences argument infers a normative conclusion about the inexistence of an objective truth in morality, from a merely descriptive premise about different cultures having different moral codes. It goes without saying that there is empirical evidence of disagreement among moral systems, as there are several instances in which what is regarded as morally right for a culture is morally wrong for another. One of the most known examples is the male circumcision, accepted largely by Jewish communities, but not so broadly shared with the rest of the world. Accordingly, because of the presence of such wide differences, people may be led to believe in relativism as it rightly raises tolerance and flexibility which are necessary open-minded attitudes for the recognition of cultural diversity. Yet, logical and critical thinking sheds light on how impractical relativism is and demonstrates how a universally moral truth has to

This is not to say that morality could not be proved relative to cultures with any other arguments. Yet, this examined argument is not any good for the reasons I have explained above. Obviously, as Rachels himself recognises, the relativist theory accepts and tolerate cultural relativity, which is an overly good and importantly moral action. Indeed, as previously mentioned, the universalist does not have to buy the whole relativist theory to accept that tolerance towards the other is morally necessary for a fair coexistence. In other words, even though cultural relativism raises relevant points in treating the diversity, the universalist can still act morally towards other cultures, but also think that a basic universally moral truth exists and is shared among every different culture. Moral universalism does not deny that different cultures have different moral codes, but instead it maintains that those differences are just small amendments of an equally shared moral code. After having demonstrated that the cultural differences argument does not support cultural relativism, it may be interesting to deepen our understanding of the subject by analysing other arguments in favour of it or some in favour of moral