Discussion announcements, no class 6/3
I've been unable to track down copies of the videos I was hoping to show on Monday, so we're going to cancel class. Have a nice long weekend, and I'll see you all on Wednesday, July 5th, refreshed and ready to learn about customary sources of international law. The readings for Wednesday/Thursday are correct in syllabus, and extend from page 55-74 in the course reader.Feel free to use this thread to discuss the relativism/universalism debate. My questions for you:
What is the best argument for relativism? The best argument against it? Has anything in the course reading/lecture/discussion changed how you're likely to think about this issue?
posted by David Watkins @ 12:59 PM
3 Comments:
Don't get me wrong -- I'm all for a culture's traditions and "cultural rights." I think differing societies deserve to practice whatever deep-rooted cultural rituals they might have grown up with. HOWEVER, a lot of these rights are pretty heinous, and perhaps even criminal. I'm pretty certain that if the Aztecs still existed today and had decided to revive their daily human sacrificing that the Commission on Human Rights of the UN would have something to say about that. Like, "Please don't do that."
This is why I find Talbott's argument that cultural relativism is "wishy-washy" so compelling. Granted, the man uses the vernacular like a five-year-old, but he gets his point across. If everyone went around declaring that everyone had a right their opinion and a right to practice their culture, then there would be more problems on this planet than just wars between societies. There would be an upsurge of anarchy as billions of human beings began doing whatever was in their "moral dictation." Hello? Just because I want to kill a guy doesn't mean I'm morally obliged to actually do it.
I think what the cultural relativists are trying to argue is based upon Immanuel Kant's argument that, well, arguing is good. If someone disagrees with you -- great! Accept it, since it will only strengthen your own path towards enlightenment and so on. But I just think the cultural relativists take this theory way out of context, and need to spend some time with a realist. 'Cause trust me, a realist will tell you everything about their cynical outlook on the rest of the world.
I'm up for it -- doubt anyone else checks this blog though, from the looks of things. :\
I say we come up with a list of terms and cases. We haven't really covered a terribly large amount of material, so I don't think it'll be too difficult.
That was Liz btw. :)
Post a Comment
<< Home