ETHC 445 Week 1 Cultural Relativism and Moral Action

ETHC 445 Week 1 Cultural Relativism and Moral Action

Student Name

Chamberlain University

ETHC-445 Principles of Ethics

Prof. Name:

Date

Week 1 Assignment: Cultural Relativism and Moral Action

In clinical settings, medical professionals frequently encounter ethical dilemmas, one of which often involves cultural and religious differences. As McLennon et al. (2013) note, “For nurses, ethical dilemmas may occur when there is tension between a nurse’s ability to do what is perceived to be right in a given situation and the views of other healthcare providers.” It is essential for nurses to approach dilemmas with ethical consideration and professionalism to provide the best care for their patients. This concept was highlighted in an experience I had with a friend from high school. Although I am Muslim and my friend is Hindu, we maintained a close friendship. One day, my friend and another friend visited my house, and during the meal, she did not eat or drink anything, despite appearing to be hungry. My friend explained that according to her cultural beliefs, she could not accept food from someone of a different religion. This situation sparked a discussion about cultural and ethical relativism.

Subjective Moralism and Cultural Relativism

Subjective moralism refers to the belief that individuals determine what is right or wrong based on their own perspectives. In this case, a subjective moral relativist would argue that my friend made the right decision, as she was acting according to her personal beliefs about eating in a house where people follow a different religion. It was her personal decision, and it would not be appropriate to judge or force her to act against her convictions. On the other hand, cultural relativism suggests that right and wrong are determined by the norms and values of a particular society or community. A cultural relativist might also assert that my friend’s decision was correct because she adhered to her cultural practices. Lynch (2019) states, “Cultural relativism seeks to explain cultures internally, by reference to its own frames of meaning, rather than by comparison with other cultures or standards.” In this situation, I respected my friend’s decision, even though it conflicted with my cultural norms.

Cultural Norms and Respecting Differences

In my culture, it is considered impolite for a guest to leave without partaking in food or drink. Rachels and Rachels (2019) explain, “Different cultures have different moral codes, and those moral codes determine the right and wrong within that society.” Despite my cultural beliefs, I understood that my friend’s actions were guided by her religious convictions, and I respected her choice. While I might have preferred that she at least drink some water, I ultimately accepted that it was her personal and cultural decision. In this situation, I believe that there is an objective moral truth, which acknowledges the importance of respecting different cultural practices and beliefs, even when they differ from one’s own.

Table: Cultural Relativism vs. Subjective Moralism

References

Lynch, W. T. (2019). Between Kin Selection and Cultural Relativism: Cultural Evolution and the Origin of Inequality. Perspectives on Science, 27(2), 278–315. https://doi.org/10.1162/posc_a_00308

McLennon, S. M., Uhrich, M., Lasiter, S., Chamness, A. R., & Helft, P. R. (2013). Oncology Nurses’ Narratives About Ethical Dilemmas and Prognosis-Related Communication in Advanced Cancer Patients. Cancer Nursing, 36(2), 114–121. https://doi.org/10.1097/ncc.0b013e31825f4dc8

ETHC 445 Week 1 Cultural Relativism and Moral Action

Rachels, S., & Rachels, J. (2019). The elements of moral philosophy (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.