by Lanae

Created on: October 12, 2009   Last Updated: October 14, 2009

IS THEISTIC ETHICS AN EXAMPLE OF CULTURAL RELATIVISM?

Both Plato's Euthyphro and in many biblical passages (such as the story of Abraham and Isaac) present instances of theistic ethics. The question then presents itself, 'is it possible to find a stable basis of ethical values in religious or mythological beliefs, or, as some philosophers such as Socrates claim, is theistic ethics another instance of cultural relativism?

When dealing with religious and mythological backgrounds all cultures and people interpret the content differently. Some are of the belief that every word is not only sacred and true but also should be strictly adhered. Others see biblical tales more as examples of moral guidelines by which to apply to their own individual lives. When a person chooses to adhere to their religion or mythological beliefs, there is firstly, a solid tangible foundation which is available for others to study

Socrates can argue that theistic ethics are cultural relativism in that they include ceremonies and services, which have become habits and rituals of the culture. However, a person could for example, believe in the same gods, same stories, and same religious texts as those who worship in the ancient, ritualistic fashion yet choose to forgo the expected ceremonies. Though the two individuals worship differently, because they believe in the same original material, they will most likely agree on a far greater amount of moral and ethical truths than would any other individuals of different religious backgrounds.

Religion is subjectively relative in that a person may choose how to worship and may have a bit of lead-way in how to interpret certain tales, yet theistic ethics overall still provide great stable platform for a basis of ethical values.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

It seems to me, that depending on your ability and desire to mentally tackle a topic, anything at all, be it a work of art or a biblical passage may spark you to a fire of understanding and insight; therefore, it is certainly possible to find a stable basis in ethical values in religious and mythological fables and tales. However, to do so is partly subjectively relative in the sense that the individual who is finding these ethical values in religion or mythology is choosing not only which tales to believe, but also is choosing them based upon his or her own interpretations of each tale.

So do ethics really come from an outside source, or are they already dwelling within, and mediums which we feel 'develop them' are nothing but tools we choose to use to bring them out, cultivate, and sculpt them?

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