Blackwell Reference Online

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Cultural relativism is a descriptive claim that ethical practices differ among cultures; that, as a matter of fact, what is considered right in one culture may be considered wrong in another. Thus, the truth or falsity of cultural relativism can be determined by examining the world. The work of anthropologists and sociologists is most relevant in determining the truth or falsity of cultural relativism, and there is widespread consensus among social scientists that cultural relativism is true. Moral relativism is the claim that what is really right or wrong is what the culture says is right or wrong. Moral relativists accept cultural relativism as true, but they claim much more. If a culture sincerely and reflectively adopts a basic moral principle, then it is morally obligatory for members of that culture to act in accordance with that principle. The implication of moral relativism for conduct is that one ought to abide by the ethical norms of the culture where one is located. This position is captured by the popular phrase: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Relativists in ethics would say: “One ought to follow the moral norms of the culture.” In terms of business practice, consider this question: “Is it morally right to pay a bribe to gain business?” The moral relativist would answer the question by consulting the moral norms of the country where one is doing business. If ... log in or subscribe to read full text