Starter

Are there any moral actions that everyone

can agree are right or wrong?

If so, what?

Discuss in pairs and write your answers on
whiteboards
LOs:
To know and understand the concepts of cultural and
moral relativism
To explore any potential criticisms
CULTURAL RELATIVISM

Descriptive

X is considered right in society y at time t, and
considered wrong in society z at time t

e.g.
Euthanasia is considered morally acceptable in
Switzerland in 2014, and considered morally
unacceptable in England in 2014

MORAL RELATIVISM


Goes beyond observation and asks can we judge
anyone for any action if there are no fixed laws/rules

Maintains that what is considered right in society x at
time t is right for that society (cultural relativism) and so
who are we to judge that if morals change. Therefore:

Morality itself is relative there is no universal standard
by which to measure our characters or actions thus one
group of people is never justified in judging another.
Eg any statement linked to morality that are
controversial

Review
On WBs write your own examples of
cultural and moral relativistic statements.



Read through the sheet, Cultural
relativism and highlight key points.
Is relativism acceptable? Are we unable
to judge others? Are people free to do
what they think is right?
Discuss in pairs to what extent this is true.
Then write your view on a post-it note and
place it on the board along the scale.

Free Not free

In your books write two lists.

1. The first list should include moral issues that are viewed
differently due to the culture or the country in which you
live.
e.g. Capital punishment in Singapore, but not in UK

2. The second list to include moral issues that are viewed
differently now than in the past.
e.g. Slavery in the 18
th
century, but not in the 21
st
century

NB some answers may appear in both lists

Criticisms
Whilst we may recognise differences
between cultures and tolerate rather than
accept these differences, are there some
moral actions that should not be tolerated?

Write an argument to support your opinion.
With reference to the article, is it any of our business to
involve ourselves in the lives of others thousands of
miles away? Write your ideas on whiteboards
Review
By what standard do we measure our own
morality?
Is it more valuable/valid than anyone elses?
Why?

Answer on whiteboards

Exam practise
Social attitudes have changed in regard to sexual
orientation (Text D); and our perception of slavery has
adapted itself to the tastes, desires and needs of our
own time (Text E).
In your view, are there values and ideals that we shall
remain true to whatever happens?
(40 marks) June 2011

Write a list of possible points that you might use in
your answer.
Ideas and values that are
likely to endure:
discrimination in the context of housing, employment, and the
provision of goods and services is likely to be unacceptable on any
grounds
we shall outlaw the provocation to violence or hatred towards any
groups or belief systems
exploitation, enslavement, coercion of others against their will, will not
be tolerated
it is likely that we shall increasingly demand respect for non-human
animals, and for fragile ecosystems . and not merely in our own
interest
we shall value high aesthetic standards in the design of our built
environment, and conservation of non-urban land
freedom of belief, expression and assembly will be protected within
reason.
Choose one and write an
argument using PEEL