Ethical Dilemmas in Cultural and Subjective Moral Relativism – A Case of Medical Ethics
In the scenario, in regards to the doctor wanting to perform female circumcision, a subjective moral relativist’s stand would be that if the doctor deems his actions as right, then it is okay. This is in accordance with a subjective moral relativist perspective that moral principles are dependent upon individual perceptions, personal beliefs, cultural norms, or societal values. This take suggests that there is no principal standard by which to judge the ethics of an action or belief, as morality is subjective and varies depending on the context and the individuals involved (Rachels & Rachels, 2012). Nonetheless, I do not agree with a subjective moral relativist because subjective moral relativism can lead to moral skepticism, where it becomes challenging to condemn or justify actions that are deemed morally wrong by certain individuals or cultures. Secondly, such a perspective undermines the possibility of moral progress or the existence of moral truths.
The response of a cultural relativist in the same scenario would most likely be similar to that of the subjective moral relativist because the former’s perspective is that cultural diversity should be respected, and moral judgments should be understood within the cultural framework in which they occur. They propose that what may be supported morally in one culture may be deemed morally intolerable in another (Rachels & Rachels, 2012). I do not concur with a cultural relativist for a similar cause why I disagreed with a subjective moral relativist: I believe in objective moral truths. For example, some cultures marry off children before the age of eighteen. However, despite their cultural beliefs, the absolute moral truth is that this act is wrong and should be punishable by law.
One of the main reproaches of cultural relativism is based on moral progress and universal values. Critics argue that cultural relativism undermines the chance of moral evolution and the existence of universal ethical values (Kanarek, 2013). Suppose all moral beliefs are considered equally valid within their cultural context. In that case, there is no basis for critiquing practices that may be harmful or unjust, such as slavery or discrimination, even if they are culturally accepted. This lack of a moral framework to evaluate practices across cultures can lead to moral skepticism and hinder efforts to promote human rights and social justice.
In this scenario, there exists an objective moral reality and an objective moral truth in regard to the medical professional’s actions. This truth is that it is wrong to perform female circumcision because it is a violation of the human rights of women.
References
Kanarek, J. (2013). Critiquing cultural relativism. The Intellectual Standard, 2(2), 1. https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/tis/vol2/iss2/1
Rachels, J., & Rachels, S. (2012). The elements of moral philosophy 7e. McGraw Hill.
ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE
We’ll write everything from scratch
Question 
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.
Ethical Dilemmas in Cultural and Subjective Moral Relativism – A Case of Medical Ethics
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?