Week 1 Discussion: Is it Right to be
a Relativist?
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 1, 2
Lesson
Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook)
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 understanding
how ethical codes (both personal and professional) are created and followed.
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 the
future 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? Do
you agree with the subjective moral relativist? Why or why not?
Examine what a cultural moral relativist would say here. Do you agree with the
cultural relativist? Why or why not?
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 why not?
a Relativist?
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 1, 2
Lesson
Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook)
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 understanding
how ethical codes (both personal and professional) are created and followed.
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 the
future 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? Do
you agree with the subjective moral relativist? Why or why not?
Examine what a cultural moral relativist would say here. Do you agree with the
cultural relativist? Why or why not?
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 why not?
