Reflection Paper Response

                        In this reflection paper, I will compare and contrast cultural relativism and ethical egoism. Between the two, I do have a strong belief that cultural relativism is starting to develop as one of the most widely accepted. However, I do have a firm idea that human beings work within the rationale of ethical egoism at some stage in life. The justification for human beings is that everything that an individual does is supposed to be reasoned out. Everything that human beings do is unconsciously or consciously, which is typically justified by our minds. This thing done by human beings is not because of mere habits or instincts but rather a conscious decision of what is wrong and right is evaluated. The primary logical question that draws upon this is the benchmark that human beings’ actions must measure up to or how they decide these things they do.

Discussion

            Cultural relativism can be explained as the scrutiny of moral and ethical systems and the belief that no one approach is better than the other (Osterman, 127). Thus, this shows that the idea is wrong or right is a social invention. This is because what is considered moral in a particular society is deemed immoral in the other community, meaning no one has to judge another society’s norms and customs since no universal standard of morality exists. In the readings book, it defines that cultural relativism says that it is every person but rather every person’s culture that is standard in which actions are measured. This shows that no ethical system is better than the other. As a military person, I have traveled all over the globe, and since then, I have been exposed to different cultures. I have seen that firsthand some everyday things are being accepted in one culture and taboo in another culture. An example of this is that I lived in German towns where alcoholic drinks were being expected and accepted in one works day lunch break, but that was not taken in America. This draws the situation to prove which culture is correct.

            Cultural relativism is much closer to ethical relativism, which views the truth as not absolute and variable. This shows that what constitutes wrong and right is solely determined by an individual in society since the fact is considered not objective. Thus there can be no objective that seems to apply to all cultures in the community (Osterman, 124). The readings state that “no one can say if someone else is wrong or right, which is normally a personal opinion matter. Thus, no society can pass judgment on another society. The readings further show that each culture should have some basic structure to sustain itself, including in the ethical standards social structure. Although ethical standards seem to differ from one society to the next to keep social order which forces people to be much obligated to following the norms of that culture they live.”

            In comparison, ethical egoism believes that human beings are morally obligated to their self-exclusive actions. Thus, ethical egoism is widely promoted by the need of an individual to outshine their pursuit for excellence and their goals (Fang & Slavin, 18). This theory states that all people are generally selfish in society. As I have said before, I think this theory is much applied to all one time or another. An example is one of my favorite t-shirts in the past read, “It all about me,” and at such time, I firmly believed in that. As I matured, I came to realize that if everyone took this similar philosophy, I could be interrupted or jeopardized in some way since their desire could end up interfering with my interest. This shows that all actions by an individual are self-interested. Although, there are some the arguments for Ethical egoism, such as the idea that at long last, if each person exclusively looked out for their interests, it could have been many benefits to the society, unlike trying to care for other people (Fang & Slavin, 19). This philosophy claims that only individual matters, which contrasts to an indication that the benefit of society matters.

            Cultural relativism is seen as a theory that talks about morality and focuses on the concept that matters of ethics and custom are not that universal. Still, they are much specific on the culture (Osterman, 127). This shows that each culture is much based on its unique moral code. In contrast, ethical egoism is also considered a theory of morality that views ethics much similar to the understanding of how we can define character in our culture. This theory formulation differs from a wide range of individual opinions and human habits that drive culture to explain abnormal and everyday practices. The two cultures possess various weird and normal habits, which can be seen from a cross-cultural standpoint.

            In comparing ethical egoism and cultural relativism, one can easily find the differences and similarities. Egoism fails to show the value of every individual, but instead, it looks at every person as an opportunity to accomplish its means. On the other hand, relativism transforms the explanation of reality or comfortability. I chose Christian ethics over the two discussed in this paper since it is based on higher authority principles in my diversity of moral views. Finally, it helps us know that human beings are culturally divisive, which makes them shun away unfair treatment. Additionally, it allows people to emancipate themselves from the ethical egoism misconception.

Conclusion

            The two approaches, cultural relativism and ethical egoism have briefly explained the various ways in which our society manifests itself. Of the two ethical theories discussed in this paper, I agree and give validity to cultural relativism. This is because it is much based on moral views diversity. The importance of the society has also been seen to be the culture and ethics since they play a crucial role in acting as people guidelines within the specific community. The article strongly reinforces the need for people to embrace cultural relativism and shun ethical egoism. This paper further shows us how to understand people’s nature by adjusting accordingly. I chose Christian ethics over the two discussed in this paper since it is based on higher authority principles in my diversity of moral views. Finally, it helps us know that human beings are culturally divisive, which makes them shun away unfair treatment. Additionally, it allows people to emancipate themselves from the ethical egoism misconception.

Works Cited

Cultural-Relativism.com. (2002). http://www.cultural-relativism.com/

Fang, Jianing, and Nathan Slavin. “Ethics–Comparing Ethical Egoism with Confucius’s Golden Rule.” Journal of Business and Economic Studies 22.1 (2018): 17-31.

Österman, Tove. “Cultural relativism and understanding difference.” Language & Communication 80 (2021): 124-135.

Wilkens, Steve. “Beyond Bumper Sticker Ethics: An Introduction to Theories of Right & Wrong.” Wilkens, Steve. Beyond Bumper Sticker Ethics: An Introduction to Theories of Right & Wrong. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 1995. 28-61.