ETHC445N-Week 1 Discussion: Is it Right to be a Relativist?

Course

ETHC445N – Principles of Ethics

Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:

  • Textbook: Chapter 1, 2
  • Lesson
  • Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook)

Initial Post Instructions
The study of ethics and philosophy is one that brings many different kinds of “thinkers” together. One person’s philosophy on ethics is another person’s philosophy on evil. We will be working this term on constructing personal ethical bases and understanding how ethical codes (both personal and professional) are created and followed.

To start us thinking about the different areas of philosophy and ethics, and how we fit into the different molds or world views, let’s imagine the following scenario:

It is 2019. The federal law banning female circumcision is still under appeal in the courts. You are a nurse assisting a plastic surgeon at a local hospital. The plastic surgeon comes from a country where they practice “female circumcision”. This practice is also sometimes called “female genital mutilation”.

Fire Eyes: Female Circumcision, Written by Soraya Mire, Directed by Soraya Mire, Ethnographer Soraya Mire, Narrated by Carol Christiansen (New York, NY: Filmakers Library, 1995), 57 minutes

You are not a member of the doctor’s culture, but reside in a state where this practice is still legal. The plastic surgeon has agreed to perform this practice on a young girl, the daughter of a friend of the surgeon. The friend has authorized the procedure. The girl only knows this is a custom. You did not know that today you would be asked to assist in this procedure. You can refuse to participate (your job may be on the line in the future due to that decision). Or, you can assist the surgeon. What ought you to do? We now want to examine the ethical issues involved. To do this, let’s look at the role of relativism, moral truths, and other issues.

Initial Post Instructions
For the initial post, address the following questions:

  • What would a subjective moral relativist say about what this doctor is doing? Do you agree with the subjective moral relativist? Why or why not?
  • Examine what a cultural moral relativist would say here. Do you agree with the cultural relativist? Why or why not?
  • Name and evaluate general criticisms of cultural relativism as being the wrong moral approach.
  • Is there an objective moral truth about any of the possible actions by the nurse and/or doctor in this case? Why or why not?

Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least one peer. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification.

Writing Requirements

  • Minimum of 2 posts (1 initial & 1 follow-up)
  • Minimum of 2 sources cited (assigned readings/online lessons and an outside scholarly source)
  • APA format for in-text citations and list of references

SOLUTION  

Relativism and Three Primary Schools of Ethics

Everyone, Here’s a bit more detail on the three main schools of ethics that I like to use to help put a framework to our ethical thinking.  As you read these, consider whether or not you think relativism might apply in some way to the school.  Do you think relativism would apply the School of Deontology?  Do you think relativism would apply to the School of Consequentialism?  Do  you think relativism would apply to the School of Caring?  Remember that relativism in ethics says that what is right and what is wrong changes from person to person. 

For a convenient participation post, feel welcome to pick a school and explain why you think relativism might apply or might not apply within the ethical concepts of that school.….please click the purchase button below to access the entire solution