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Reading Assignment #5, “The challenge of Cultural Relativism” by
James Rachels
Reading Assignment #5, “The challenge of Cultural Relativism” by
James Rachels
Section 2.1
1. What is the main point that Rachels makes in this section? What is one example he
gives to illustrate this point?
Section 2.2
2. Rachels lists many different interpretations of cultural relativism might mean. How many interpretations does he state?
Section 2.3
3. One version of the cultural differences argument that Rachels describes is this:
The Eskimos see nothing wrong with infanticide, whereas Americans believe infanticide is immoral.
Therefore, infanticide is neither objectively right nor objectively wrong. It is merely a matter of opinion,
which varies from culture to culture.
What is the problem with this argument, according to Rachels?
Section 2.4
4. What are two examples of moral practices that seem better than opposing moral practices?
Section 2.5
5. Eskimos sometimes engage in infanticide (killing infants), while in the U.S. this is considered immoral. Does this show that Eskimos and those in the U.S. have different morals (according to Rachels)? Explain.
Section 2.6
6. What is the main point of this section? What are the three examples Rachels gives to support this point?
Section 2.7
7. Which cultural practice does Rachels discuss in this section? According to cultural relativism, was it objectively right to grant asylum to Fauziya Kassindja? Do you think it was right to grant Fauziya Kassindja asylum?
Is There a Culture-Neutral Standard of Right and Wrong? (Don’t answer this question. It’s the title of the section.)
8. What universal standard might be used to evaluate whether excision is a good cultural practice, according to Rachels?
Why, Despite All This, Thoughtful People May Be Reluctant to Criticize Other Cultures.
9. Rachels gives three final reasons someone might still want to be a cultural relativist. Which of the three do you find the most compelling? How does Rachels respond to it?
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