ETHC 445N Week 1 Discussion; Is it Right to be a Relativist

RequiredResources Read/review the following resources for this activity: • Textbook: Chapter 1,2 • Lesson • Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to thetextbook) Initial Post Instructions The study of ethics and philosophy is one that brings many different kinds of "thinkers" together. One person's philosophy on ethics is another person's philosophy on evil. We will be working this term on constructing personal ethical bases and understandinghow ethical codes (both personal and professional) are created andfollowed. To start us thinking about the different areas of philosophy and ethics, and how we fit into the different molds or world views, let's imagine the following scenario: It is 2019. The federal law banning female circumcision is still under appeal in the courts. You are a nurse assisting a plastic surgeon at a local hospital. The plastic surgeon comes from a country where they practice "female circumcision". This practice is also sometimes called "female genital mutilation". You are not a member of the doctor's culture, but reside in a state where this practice is still legal. The plastic surgeon has agreed to perform this practice on a young girl, the daughter of a friend of the surgeon. The friend has authorized the procedure. The girl only knows this is a custom. You did not know that today you would be asked to assist in this procedure. You can refuse to participate (your job may be on the line in thefuture due to that decision). Or, you can assist the surgeon. What ought you to do? We now want to examine the ethical issues involved. To do this, let's look at the role of relativism, moral truths, and other issues. Initial Post Instructions For the initial post, address the following questions: • What would a subjective moral relativist say about what this doctor is doing? Doyou agree with the subjective moral relativist? Why or whynot? • Examine what a cultural moral relativist would say here. Do you agree with the cultural relativist? Why or whynot? • Name and evaluate general criticisms of cultural relativism as being the wrong moral approach. • Is there an objective moral truth about any of the possible actions by the nurse and/or doctor in this case? Why or whynot? • What would a subjective moral relativist say about what this doctor is doing? Doyou agree with the subjective moral relativist? Why or whynot? According to the lesson on relativism, a subjective moral relativist would say that only the actor can determine whether his or her behavior is "right" or "wrong." (Rachels 2003) In this case, the doctor believes what he will do is right because it is a norm in their culture. From this, I can only agree because it is not wrong and is moral to the doctor and the girls’ father. • Examine what a cultural moral relativist would say here. Do you agree with the cultural relativist? Why or whynot? A cultural moral relativist believes that each culture has its own beliefs, traditions, and perspectives, whatever is moral to them is moral. I agree this is tradition or a custom that to them is a must for them to be protected from rape and become an adult. • Name and evaluate general criticisms of cultural relativism as being the wrong moral approach. In this culture, the girls are looked down upon if “mutilation” is not done. If it is not done, they are not able to marry. It is a lot of pressure because all the women are doing it and they of course do not want to be a disgrace to their society. This is not okay because it would be morally okay to the ones around them but in actuality, it is inhumane to the person enduring. There are no health benefits to this procedure only harm and damage will come from this and cause health complications. (World Health Organization 2020) • Is there an objective moral truth about any of the possible actions by the nurse and/or doctor in this case? Why or whynot? No, there is no objective moral truth, this is a cultural procedure that is familiar to the doctor but to the nurse, she would not agree because in her culture this is not necessary. There is no right or wrong. The procedure is not necessary for my understanding and I personally would not participate. References Rachels, J. (2003). The Elements of Moral Philosophy. New York, McGraw-Hill Higher Education. World Health Organization. (2020, February 3). Female genital mutilation. World Health Organization.