Cultural Relativism Flashcard

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What is Cultural Relativism?

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Cultural Relativism is the principle of understanding and evaluating cultural practices and beliefs based on their own context, rather than judging them by the standards of another culture.

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What are collectivist cultures?

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Collectivist cultures prioritize the group over the individual, emphasizing community, family, and social harmony.

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What are individualist cultures?

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Individualist cultures emphasize personal freedom, individual rights, and self-reliance, often valuing personal achievement over group goals.

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What is the relationship between tolerance and Cultural Relativism?

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Tolerance is often seen as a universal value that promotes acceptance of diverse cultural practices, which can be a key aspect of Cultural Relativism.

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What is a potential problem with Cultural Relativism?

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Cultural Relativism can make it difficult to critique harmful practices within a culture, as it emphasizes respect for cultural differences.

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What does it mean for a belief to be considered 'arbitrary'?

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A belief is considered 'arbitrary' if it is based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.

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What is the main argument against Cultural Relativism?

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The main argument against Cultural Relativism is that it suggests all cultural beliefs are equally valid, which can lead to moral confusion and inaction.

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How does Cultural Relativism affect social reform?

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Cultural Relativism can hinder social reform by suggesting that reformers should respect harmful cultural practices instead of challenging them.

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What is the importance of universal values in the context of Cultural Relativism?

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Universal values are principles that are believed to apply to all humans, regardless of culture, and are often used to argue against Cultural Relativism.

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What is moral relativism?

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Moral relativism is the idea that moral judgments and values are not absolute but are shaped by cultural, social, or personal circumstances.