CULTURE AND MORAL

BEHAVIOR
CULTURE

Culture is the collective set of shared beliefs, values,

practices, and traditions that define a particular group or
society.
It shapes how individuals within that group perceive the
world, interact with each other, and navigate their
environment.
CULTURE

Culture encompasses language, customs, social norms,

art, history, and more, influencing every aspect of daily
life and providing a sense of identity and belonging for its
members.
RELATIVISM

Relativism is the idea that what is true or right can

vary from person to person or culture to culture.
Truth and morality are relative to individual
perspectives or cultural norms.
 EXAMPLE
In some Western countries, like the United States or
Canada, it's generally accepted that it's okay for couples
to show affection in public, like holding hands or kissing.
It's seen as a sign of love and affection.
 Example: something that's considered acceptable in one country might be seen as
However, in
wrong in another
some more conservative Middle Eastern
countries, public displays of affection between couples
are often considered inappropriate and even offensive.
It's viewed as a breach of modesty and cultural norms.
CULTURAL RELATIVISM

Cultural relativists uphold that

cultures differ fundamentally
from one another, and so do the
moral frameworks that structure
relations within different
societies.
CULTURAL RELATIVISM

The rightness or wrongness of an

action is evaluated according to
the ethical standards of the
society within which the action
occurs.
Cultural Universals

Cultural universals refer to aspects of human culture that

are found in nearly all societies, despite their cultural
diversity.
These universals encompass certain moral principles and
values that appear to transcend cultural boundaries.
Cultural Universals Cultural Universals

Norms against murder,

theft, or incest are
prevalent in various
cultures around the
world, reflecting shared
moral principles.
 Ethical Relativism vs. Ethical Universalism

ETHICAL RELATIVISM ETHICAL UNIVERSALISM

Morality is culture-dependent Moral principles apply across cultures
Ethical relativism acknowledges cultural diversity but Seeks to identify and uphold principles that transcend
may struggle to address actions considered universally cultural boundaries
wrong

Ethical relativism might find it challenging to justify or Regardless of cultural differences, most societies agree
accept practices like genocide or torture, which are that taking an innocent person's life without
widely condemned across cultures and recognized as justification is morally wrong.
fundamentally immoral.
Cultural Norms and Values

Cultural norms and values play a central role in shaping

individuals' moral behavior.
 Accepted behaviors within a given culture, while values
are underlying beliefs that guide and justify those norms.
Ethical Dilemmas in Cross-Cultural Contexts:

 Occurs when individuals from different cultures interact, leading

to conflicts or misunderstandings due to differing cultural values,
norms, and ethical principles.
Moral Agent

A moral agent is a person who has the ability to discern

right from wrong and to be held accountable for his or
her own actions. Moral agents have a moral
responsibility not to cause unjustified harm.
Moral Agent

Children, and adults with certain mental disabilities, may

have little or no capacity to be moral agents.
 Adults with full mental capacity relinquish their
moral agency only in extreme situations, like being held
hostage.