The Consequences of Relativism
(Rachels)
If cultural relativism were true, then ...
- we could no longer say that the customs of other societies are morally
inferior to our own. (P 379b)
- we could decide whether actions are right or wrong just by
consulting the standards of our society. (P 380b)
- the ideas of moral progress and social reform would be
meaningless.
But many of us are unwilling to accept these consequences.
So by modus tollens we conclude:
Cultural relativism is not true.
Richard Lee,
rlee@comp.uark.edu,
last modified: 23 February 1999