Morality and Cultural Differences
“Morality and Cultural Differences” by John Webber Cook, published by Oxford University Press in 1999, is a scholarly exploration of moral relativism, spanning 204 pages. This work delves into the philosophical and anthropological dimensions of moral principles, particularly the contention that such principles cannot be universally applied across different cultures. Cook critically examines the arguments surrounding moral relativism, highlighting the shortcomings of both proponents and opponents in their attempts to substantiate their views.
In this edition, readers will find a thorough investigation into the complexities of morality as it relates to cultural differences. Cook argues that both anthropologists and moral absolutists have failed to provide convincing evidence for their respective positions, suggesting that their perspectives are overly simplistic. By presenting a nuanced account of morality, the book encourages a deeper understanding of ethical frameworks and their implications in diverse cultural contexts. This text is suitable for those interested in philosophy and ethics, offering insights into the ongoing debate surrounding moral relativism.
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The scholars who defend or dispute moral relativism, the idea that a moral principle cannot be applied to people whose culture does not accept it, have concerned themselves with either the philosophical or anthropological aspects of relativism. This study shows that in order to arrive at a definitive appraisal of moral relativism, it is necessary to understand and investigate both its anthropological and philosophical aspects. Carefully examining the arguments for and against moral relativism, Cook exposes not only that anthropologists have failed in their attempt to support relativism with evidence of cultural differences, but that moral absolutists have been equally unsuccessful in their attempts to refute it. He argues that these conflicting positions are both guilty of an artificial and unrealistic view of morality and proposes a more subtle and complex account of morality.
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