Blog #2

          

          I found this piece very intriguing to read. I agreed with a lot of what the author had to say but one point really struck me.  “Consider the inference from the claim that moral codes differ from culture to culture to the conclusion that the moral code of each culture determines what is right and wrong for the members of that culture (i.e. morality is “internal” to each culture or society, and thence to the claim that moral relativism should be accepted because it fosters the admirable attitude of tolerance toward other cultures” (15).  The author goes on to point out problems in this perspective but I couldn't help but wonder, Is it morally justifiable to judge another culture’s moral codes based on the standards of one’s own personal morals, or is it immoral based on the concept of cultural relativism, which is to adopt an attitude of tolerance towards all other cultures and morals. The example of clitorectomy is what I am referring to. To my own personal morals, based on my upbringing, and surroundings, this would be defined as genital mutilation, which I do not agree with.  However, to the tribe, this is a normal cultural practice.  So is it moral of me to disagree with this based on my own personal morals, or is it immoral based on the concept of moral relativism, and if it is immoral, then doesn't that make me an immoral person?