FIRST YEAR SEMINAR IN PHILOSOPHY: RELATIVISM
PHIL 196, Sec. 004: TTh 4pm-5:30pm in G160 Angell Hall
The University of Michigan
Fall 2004
Instructor: James Woodbridge
email address: jwood@umich.edu
Course Webpage: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jwood/umich/Phil196.htm
Office Hours: T 2pm-3pm, W 12:30pm-2pm, and by appointment
Office: 2203 Angell Hall
Office Phone: 764-6882
Dept. Phone: 764-6285
RESPONSE ESSAY 5
In "The Challenge of Cultural Relativism," James Rachels challenges the claim of descriptive cultural relativism regarding the diversity of fundamental values (MR, pp. 59-61).
Write a 2-page paper reacting to this material.
Aim to do the following sorts of things:
- In your own words, state the central claim of cultural relativism that Rachels is challenging here. Be careful not to confuse it with other relativist claims.
- Explain the reasoning involved on this point--How does Rachels argue against this claim?
- Evaluate the arguments--Do you think Rachels' reasoning on these points works? Explain why or why not. Is there any reply a cultural relativist could make to resist his conclusions? Explain.
- Identify further questions that can be raised about cultural relativism in light of your assessment of Rachels' position.
Keep your paper within the 2-page limit!
Your paper is due in my mailbox Monday, November 15th by 3pm.