In a paper consisting of five pages the self serving aspects of cultural relativism are considered in contention that only a specific group, person, or government making the argument is represented. Six sources are cited in the bibliography.
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argument. CULTURAL RELATIVISM In order to establish whether or not cultural relativism truly exists within the confines of society, it is critical to understand the concepts behind both cultural
relativism and cultural objectivism, one of the primary grounds upon which people critique cultural relativism. These philosophical ideals are what make us the morally minded creatures we strive to
be, although their principles are often overlooked or misconstrued. To delve into the concept of cultural relativism is to examine the wide and varying societal rules that bind one
to ones cultural existence. There is no universally accepted mode of ethical behavior; what is acceptable for Americans may be deemed inappropriate for another society halfway around the world.
As Elizabeth Zechenter points out, "if it is true that there are no universal rules, be they ethical or moral, then cultural relativists commit an error by demanding that as
a matter of principal no cultural practice should ever be judged by other cultures or by outsiders" (Zechenter 332). Distinguishing these moral and ethical actions is to determine if the
actions are right or wrong based solely upon to what one is accustomed. This, then, begs the question that asks what denotes right and wrong? Indeed, dependent upon
the social customs imbedded in such actions, there cannot be any clearly right or clearly wrong standards; without question, any and all moral principles are well founded as they relate
to their native cultural tastes. AN EXAMPLE: THE ISLAMIC JIHAD An excellent case in point is the Islamic Jihad. In order to understand the social impact of the
Islamic Jihad, one must first readily comprehend the driving force behind such groups. Militia groups formed as a means by which to right the wrongs of government intervention.