Relativism, Cultural and Moral Norman Bowie

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Relativism, Cultural and MoralNorman Bowie

• Cultural Relativism
• Different cultures have ideas about ethical
  behavior
• Moral Relativism
• What is really right or wrong is completely
  determined by the culture in which a person lives

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CRITICISM OF MORAL RELATIVISM

• A culture thinking something is moral does not
  make it moral (slavery)
• It is not consistent with moral language which
  tends to be absolute
• All cultures tend to believe in universal
  principles
• There are not separate cultures (Bosnia, Somalia,
  Cambodia)
• Cultural traditions are bounded by physical laws
  (outlawing sex)

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UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

• 30 Articles attempting to establish a common
  standard for a global society
• Review Articles and Prioritize