Ariadne's Thread on Ethical Relativism
Replies
speaker
(Return)

 
 
 
 
Tolerance

(Click here to return to the main path)

Professor Sidgwick Speaking
Let me also summarize what you are saying about interference.

Most of you agree that no rule of non-interference can be deduced from ethical relativism. But you have made some good points:

  • Ayesha has suggested that there are often good reasons to keep from interfering with other cultures.
  • Fred has suggested that the situation is complicated and that no general rule of interference or non-interference can be justified. It depends on the specific case.
  • Following Wong, John has suggested that the fact that a group considers an action to be morally wrong is itself a factor that we ought to consider when deciding whether to interfere.
  • Fred has suggested that the fundamentality of the harm being done is a factor to consider.
  • John has also suggested that the type of interference matters. Perhaps persuasion or creating options can be justified in cases in which coercion cannot be justified.
  • Vera has suggested that the 'authenticity' of moral views should be considered. In other words, whether people come to hold certain values because of domination or free deliberation matters.

I think it is clear that the situation is much more complex than some early cultural relativists thought. Sorting out these factors would take us weeks.


Ariadne's Home Contact Ariadne at: Ethical Relativism Home
Ethics Bibliography Ethical Relativism Contents