Cultural or Social Relativism is the product of the academic accomplishments of anthropologists and sociologists illuminating how different material and intellectual environments can impact the values of a given culture. It was a field of study that developed in reaction to the judgmental arrogance of the ethnocentrism associated with 19th century Imperialism. (White Man's Burden) Consequently, cultural relativists sought to describe the unique and recurring themes found among diverse peoples. Their codes of professional ethics combined with the canons of the social sciences allowed them to describe and not proscribe or prescribe cultural differences. They were compelled to maintain a sense of personal distance from the behaviors they were observing.[Universalism vs. Relativism in Human Rights:Implications for Human Rights Practice- http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/humanri... ]
An Ethical Relativist believes that all value systems are equally valid and no culture has the right to judge the moral validity of another culture. "If they think it is right, it must be the case." In fairness to ethical relativists, many fine philosophers have presented ideological infrastructures as the pillars of their beliefs. However, to many of our young people, the appeal of ethical relativism can be expressed, as morality equals opinion and "why is your opinion any more valuable then mine?" It frees the individual from judging or being judged.
As a social studies teacher for twenty-eight years, my profession has been the favorite target of religious conservatives as the "secular assassins of moral truth." Reflecting from the vantage point of my own classroom, I do admit some complicity in the blurring of these two similar and yet distinct disciplines. This does not mean that I will now embrace Pat Buchanan or William Bennet. However, at least the former Education Secretary has some important and relevant ideas to contribute to the dialogue.
I did not contribute to this haze because of a secret pact with the ACLU or Democratic Party. Initially, gaps in my undergraduate education were the major cause of reduced philosophical acuity. However, as time and my intellectual maturity progressed my dilemma became more of a procedural, pedagogical issue, rather than a failure of knowledge.[The End of Cross-Cultural Relativism- http://gwis2.circ.gwu.edu/~comnet/A253.h... ]
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