Absolute cultural relativism is the belief that all cultural practices, no matter how unusual or seemingly dangerous, should be accepted without judgment by outsiders.
Based on the definition provided in the reference, absolute cultural relativism is a principle stating that:
- Whatever activities are practiced within a culture, regardless of their appearance or perceived danger, should not be questioned by other cultures.
This perspective suggests a complete non-interference and non-judgment stance towards the customs and traditions of different societies. It holds that there is no universal standard for morality or behavior, and therefore, no culture has the right to evaluate or criticize another's practices.
Absolute vs. Critical Cultural Relativism
The reference distinguishes absolute cultural relativism from critical cultural relativism:
- Absolute Cultural Relativism: Advocates for the acceptance of all cultural practices without external questioning or judgment.
- Critical Cultural Relativism: Contrasts with the absolute form by asking questions about cultural practices and why they are practiced. This approach engages with cultural practices, seeking to understand their context and implications, rather than simply accepting them without inquiry.
In essence, absolute cultural relativism represents the most stringent interpretation of the concept, demanding unqualified acceptance of all cultural norms from an external viewpoint.
