cultural relativism

An Introduction to Philosophy (RLL style) Week 12 – Ethics 2 (Objectivism) – Part 3: What makes the golden rule golden?

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In our exploration of ethical objectivism, we start with the timeless wisdom of the Golden Rule: treat others the way you’d want to be treated. This universal principle has appeared across time, cultures, and societies, proving that some ethical ideas are constant. At its core, it reminds us that kindness, respect, and fairness are values we all understand similarly. Whether cultures differ or norms shift, the Golden Rule remains a powerful starting point for ethical decisions and builds the foundation of ethical objectivism.

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An Introduction to Philosophy (RLL style) Week 11 – Ethics 1 (Relativism) – Part 4: Have you ever been to Rome?

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Ethics can be like a local dialect, shaped by culture and history. What’s virtuous in one culture may not be the same in another. Cultural relativism suggests that morality is not universal, but instead grows from the values and needs of the society that nurtures it. It’s not moral anarchy, but an understanding that ethics are contextual—what’s right in one place might be seen differently elsewhere. The most ethical thing we can do in different cultural settings is learn, adapt, and respect the local customs, understanding that ethical rules wear different outfits depending on where you are.

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