https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8juebyo_Z4
Discussion board 1
Subjectivism in Ethics
As Rachels explains in Chapter 3, ethical subjectivism/relativism is a flawed position, yet, many are attracted to it. Explain thoroughly what you understand the problem(s) with ethical relativism to be, as well as your own perspective on ethical relativism. If you consider yourself to be a relativist, defend your acceptance of the view; if you are not a relativist, explain why.
NB: Often in this thread, students post about cultural relativism, but for this discussion, we are discussing ethical relativism, also called subjectivism, NOT cultural relativism. Cultural relativism is a specific view, but here we are discussing relativism in general.
Discussion board 2
Cultural Relativism vs. the Culture-Neutral Standard
Read the NPR article “A Girl Gets Her Period and Is Banished to the Shed” and then answer the following questions: How would a cultural relativist respond to this practice? What reasons would a cultural relativist offer for his or her response? If you look at this practice from the perspective of the culture-neutral standard (discussed in Chapter 2), how is your response different from that of the cultural relativist? What reasons, from the perspective of the culture-neutral standard, could be offered against the view of the cultural relativist?
Works Linked/Cited:
Greenhalgh, Jane, and Michaeleen Doucleff. “A Girl Gets Her Period and Is Banished to the Shed: #15Girls.” NPR. 2015. https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2015/10/17/449176709/horrible-things-happen-to-nepali-girls-when-they-menstruate-15girls. Accessed 18 March 2019.
Discussion Board 3
Homosexuality
In Chapter 3, Rachels shows us why subjectivism, the idea that our moral opinions are based upon our feelings and nothing more, fails as a theory. Rachels has also dispensed with some false notions that many people hold: that all opinions in morality are equally correct, that we cannot judge practices in other cultures, and that we can use our feelings as justifications for a position. Rachels is suggesting that while what we feel is understandable, because it is based upon our cultural biases, prejudices, etc., our feelings are not relevant when it comes to judging a practice to be moral or immoral. He makes it clear that we CAN judge practices both within and outside of our culture by using the culture neutral criteria, asking if the practice promotes or hinders the welfare of the people involved in the practice. Finally, he shows why the best positions are those that have been supported by facts, evidence, and reason. So, as we go about our discussions we need to provide sound arguments for our positions. In short, “that’s the way the culture does it” or “I don’t feel it is right” are NOT arguments.
So, with that being said, what arguments can you provide that conclude that homosexuality is not wrong or that homosexuality is wrong? Please note, the question does NOT ask what you BELIEVE about the morality of homosexuality; the question asks you to provide a rational argument for a position.
https://www.academia.edu/37968640/The_Elements_of_Moral_Philosophy
This is also a free PDF for the book online if you need it
