Radical cultural relativism asserts that culture is the ultimate determinant of what is morally right or wrong.
Defining Radical Cultural Relativism
In its most extreme form, radical cultural relativism posits a specific view regarding the origin and truth of moral standards. As defined by the reference provided, radical cultural relativism holds that culture is the sole source of the validity of a moral right or rule.
This means that for a moral principle or rule to be considered true, correct, or valid, its legitimacy is derived entirely from within a specific culture. There is no external or objective standard against which it can be judged.
Core Belief
The central tenet of radical cultural relativism is the idea that morality is exclusively a product of cultural context.
- Validity is Internal: A moral rule is valid only because a particular culture accepts it.
- No External Standard: There are no universal moral truths that apply independently of culture.
- Culture as the Foundation: Culture doesn't just influence morality; it creates its validity.
Contrast with Radical Universalism
The reference also contrasts radical cultural relativism with radical universalism. While radical cultural relativism sees culture as everything for moral validity, radical universalism takes the opposite stance:
| Aspect | Radical Cultural Relativism | Radical Universalism |
|---|---|---|
| Source of Validity | Culture is the sole source | Culture is irrelevant |
| Moral Truths | Valid only within a specific culture | Valid universally, independent of culture |
This highlights how radical cultural relativism places absolute authority for moral truth solely within the cultural framework itself.
Practical Implication
A practical implication of this viewpoint is that if a culture deems a particular action or rule morally acceptable, then, from the perspective of radical cultural relativism, it is morally acceptable for that culture. Its rightness doesn't depend on agreement from other cultures or adherence to any non-cultural standard.
