SAINT JOSEPH COLLEGE of SINDANGAN INCORPORATED

Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines

Telefax No. (065) 224-2710/ +639121561506

ETHICS (GE 22)

Prelim-Midterm MODULE 3
LESSON 3: Ethics and Culture

Learning Target/s: Students are expected to demonstrate the following at the end of this module:
1. Articulate what culture means;
2. Attribute facets of personal behavior to culture;
3. Recognize and appreciate differences in moral behavior of different cultures; and
4. Define cultural relativism and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses in making moral decision.

Reference/s: Palaen, Naario, Descartin, Mendoza, Valero (2019). Ethics Exploring Moral Philosophy. Books
Atbp. Publishing Corp.pp. 25 - 44

Week : 2
Time Duration : 3 hours (1 hour Face to Face Class, 2 hours Modular - per Week)

Activating Prior Knowledge:

Have you ever visited a place you find so strange that you feel like the actions of the people there are wrong if not
downright offensive?

Did you ask any of them why they do what they do?

If you just walked away from that situation without trying to understand their decisions, then most
probably, you ended up becoming jedgmental of them instead of trying to understand where they are coming
from, their norms, and their values included.

Essential Ideas

CULTURE AND OUR MORAL BEHAVIOR

Female genital mutilation (fgm)

- is not an entirely new practice in many African countries. This is considered as a rite of passage to
womanhood, in countries including Kenya and Sierra Leone, while it is valued as a means of preserving a
girl’s virginity until marriage, in Sudan, Egypt, and Somalia.
- Comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genetalia, or other
injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

Norms

- Refer to social and cultural regulations and decrees that govern the everyday activities of people, inclusive
of its moral and ethical imperatives, customs and cultural practices.
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 When we abide this norms, we are considered normal, as everybody else, doing what is normative in the
society. On the contrary, those who do otherwise are deemed strange, irrational, or to be blunt about it,
abnormal or deviant, going against what is socially prescribed.

Culture

- Is defined as that complex whole which includes knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, law, customs, and any
other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society. It is one big chuck of our society
that dictates how we are supposed to act in varying situations based on what is right and wrong,
acceptable or not. As our actions and perspectives are culturally constructed, so is our moral behavior.

The Filipino Way

In the Philippines, one way of looking (at the problem of) morality is to reflect on the prevailing norms of
right and wrong among Filipinos. As majority of us adhere to religious ideals, particularly Christian ones, our
concept of morality hinges from what we have to do as Christians, if it is in adherence or in conflict with what we
need to do as individual entities or a collective group.

Gorespe’s lists of Distinct Filipino Moral Norms:

1. Group-centeredness or group-think.

- what will others say usually determines Filipino moral behavior. It is called as the Filipinos “conscience from the
outside.”

2. The “Don’t be caught” attitude based on shame or fear of the authority figure.

For Example :

Even if there is already a national smoking ban in the country at present, there are still those who
disregard the law since they are not being caught by authorities anyway.

3. Complacency when one is aware but is not concerned.

- it is an open-secret that corruption is rampant in the government. Even though we are aware of it, there are still a
lot of Filipinos who do not really mind about changing the status quo by invoking their rights of suffrage, but
perhaps are just so indifferent about it.

4. Rationaliation

- We have that instinct of justifying an act no matter how wrong it is. Students do know for a fact that cheating is
bad. Still and all, if they feel like it is thee only way to pass a course, then, they will rationalize the act and
continue doing it until they achieve their goal.

FUNCTIONS OF CULTURE

Here are some functions of culture which are significant in understanding our moral behavior:

1. Culture provides identity to the people in the society.

This is what separates communal groups from each other. They are known by their distinct traditions and
beliefs that they hold dear.

2. Culture mirrors the laws of the land.

Laws in one society is born out of the norms which are the socially acceptable behavioral patterns in the
community. These norms are held with supreme importance, and so the people make sure that they are
systematized and followed by all. Going against these laws are punishable in most , if not all cases.

3. Culture unifies people in ways that only those who belong in that society understands.

It is always what the communal group invokes in matters of decisions, practices, and traditions.

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4. Culture influences our concept of morality.

Culture provides the rules of the games in the society through our cultural norms. It is very much
prescriptive of what is morally right or wrong, what is respectful and not, affecting our patterns of behavior. It is
the culture that molds, if not dictates, the values that should be adhered to by the people.

Our moral actions are embedded in the social structures provided by the traditions of old. There is no way
that we will decide without invoking our cultural moral biases. How we talk, think, and tap daily jedgments is
definitely carved by what we were raised to believe is morally acceptable or not.

Cultural Relativism: Different Strokes for Different Folks

Sociology – known as the study of human society.

Cultural Relativism – is the view that moral beliefs and practices vary with and depend on the human needs and
social conditions of particular cultures. This definition is entirely based on the premise that there is no culture that
can be no universal “oughts”, and that there is no culture that can be the basis of all that is good and true. It is
important to recognize the vitality of cultural differences since ethical judgments are relative to cultural contexts.

Thus, our morality can only be understood based on what is culturally acceptable or not, in the society
where we belong. Cultural relativism then should be understood as a celebration and appreciation of cultural
diversity. This diversity could be manifested in the way we dress, the way we talk to the elderly, and even in our
beliefs in the supernatural. It is important to underscore as well the important historical role of cultural relativism
in encouraging cross-cultural understanding and contributing to an expansion of human freedom.

Moral Relativism

In effect , cultural relativism results to, if not implies moral relativism which maintains that there are no
objective, and transcultural criteria for judging between these systems. Thus, people are supposed to be
understood from the perspective of the traditions that they hold dear.

No one has the right to intrude a society whose values are embedded in their culture and tradition. It might
be improper as well to teach them what to do and what not to do on the basis of one’s belief as an outsider. As
diversity is celebrated in cultural relativism, so should due respect to be given to people of all cultures, deferring
judgments and extending understanding to all, instead.

Cultural Relativism vis-a-vis Ethnocentrism

Cultural relativism debunks the concept of ethnocentrism- an idea that has long haunted men, in their
attempt to answer which among cultural behavior should be the standard, if there is any. It is in exact opposition
to cultural relativism.

Ethnocentrism

Is the practice of taking one’s own people, society and culture to be the vantage point from which all else
is viewed and judged. People coming from first world countries could be prone to ethnocentrism. Because of the
idea that they are living in ideal, powerful countries, there is a tendency that they might look down on other
cultures which are totally opposite of theirs.

Ethnocentric individuals are prone to misreading contexs, therefore misjudging individuals from other
cultures. When the behavior of other people is understood based on a prescribed singular tradition, they will be
assumed as odd or creepy, and deem their actions as utterly wrong, if not unacceptable. Ethnocentrism leads to
this prejudgment of people. It is suggested that cultural relativism is the antidote to this self-serving concept.

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Xenocentrism

Those who are coming from poor and developing countries might experience xenocentrism. It is the belief
that one’s own cultural features are a downgrade in comparison to those of other cultures. Xenocentric individuals
value commodities, style, culture or even ideas from another country or culture other than their own.

The history of the Philippines affected the way Filipinos view themselves as a part of the bigger world.
Since historically, we have become slaves of first world countries, generally, our mindset seem not to go further
away from it- slaves to the perspective of all that is of America and Europe. This is a seamless case of
xenocentrism, a by-product of historical slavery, which is evidenced in the way Filipinos value foreign
commodities. Because of their historical influences, we imitate their norms, even if they do not seem fit.
Nonetheless, cultural relativism purpots the unseemliness of bith ethnocentrism and xenocentrism.

Cultural Relativism : Its Strength and Weaknesses

Cultural relativism although advantageous at some points could also be detrimental. It empowers cultural
tolerance while at the same time rejects moral absolutes. Below are the strengths and dangers of cultural
relativism:

Strengths Weaknesses
1. What is considered morally right and wrong 1. Cultural relativism might fall prey into the idea
should be judged based on cultural contexts. The that universal standards do not exist. There are
culture of people becomes the final arbiter of the certain universal oughts that cannot be culturally
morality of an individual act. The idea of “to each his compromised. Human rights precede societal
own” exemplifies this concept. practices, particularly those that impede our growth as
individuals, and as human beings as a whole. Cultural
relativism is not tenable in ethics since ethical values
invoe universal absolutes which it categorically
dismisses.
2. Cultural relativism is an answer to cultural 2. If universal standards do not exist, so thus
annihilation. If one culture is to be the final basis of morality. The concept of what is morally right and
morality, then it would stimulate if not encourage the wrong fades into the background of cultural
annihilation of all other cultures which are considered relativism. As such, people who invoke cultural
inferior to it. relativism are free to do whatever they want.
3. Cultural relativism promotes multi-culturalism. 3. Cultural relativism gives birth to ethical
It fosters diversity of cultures and keeps individuals relativism, which veers away from the idea that
from being ethnocentric. The distinctiveness of culture there are objective moral standards. With this,
is supposed to be celebrated and not looked down by people who are ethically wrong by all standards
people. Thus, cultural relativism dismisses except by their culture , can invoke cultural
discrimination and finds everyone in the world as our relativism , then we refrain ourselves from criticizing
co-equals. other cultures, no matter how evil some of their
practices might be, the same way that we overlook our
own cultural flaws.

Cultural Tolerance

People from all cultures should be aware that societies have their own ways of doing things. Hence, we
should take into consideration the manifestations of how these are morally upheld in their context. Cultural
relativism should result to cultura tolerance in order to preserve the distinctives of people regardless of whichever
context they come from. Distinctiveness and diversity should be celebrated because people are all different in
many ways. With this being said, the perpetuation of culture can only be possible through tolerance. How people
value certain traditions in their culture is very much a part of who they are.

Nonetheless, this is not to say that we will turn a blind eye to some cultural practices which are utterly
inhuman. It is nt right to use culture as an excuse to continue practices that violate human rights. As
multiculturalism celebrates differences, it should only tolerate humanly tenable and acceptable practices, which
value, and not endanger human life in general. We should never be in agreement to practices which are devaluing
human life. However, there is aneed for a thorough observation and understanding of the culture of people. One
has to be very careful in assessing whether a particular practice is a violation of an individual’s right.

Though cultural tolerance is highly encouraged, it would not mean that we are to compromise human life
and all the universal rights associated with it. A particular culture cannot invoke cultural relativism at all times.
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Cultural differences on its own makes a case for relativism. Although we are to respect diversity, it should be
realized that there are certain moral universals that should be considered and upheld. Cultural sensitivity is the key
to cultural tolerance. It is being aware that cultural differences and similarities between people exist without
assigning them a value-positive or negative, better or worse, right or wrong.

Chapter Summary

Although diversity of cultures is heavily encouraged, this should be exclusive of customs and traditions
which disrupt normal human functioning. There still are moral absolutes which should precede cultural norms. On
the other hand, as we become aware of moral standards, we need to carefully examine ourselves as well, so as not
to fall prey from either becoming ethnocentric or xenocentric.

Since we are all a product of our culture, our societal norms have always been the basis of our everyday
decisions. However, we must be very cautious that our norms do not clash with universal values that cater to
championing human life and dignity. Hence, it is crucial that we be reminded that cultural relativism should not,
in any way, be used as an excuse to continue cultural practices which categorically impede, if not violate , human
rights.

II. Learning Experiences

A. Clarifying Understanding

I. Directions: Answer the following questions briefly. (Self Assesment only)

1. How do you think your community influences your behavior?

2. How does culture define moral behavior?

3. Give one Filipino cultural practice that should never be tolerated and explain why.

4. How does cultural relativism promote moral relativism?

5. How does cultural relativism promote equality?

6. Why is ethnocentrism something that should be avoided by everyone?

7. Why are Filipinos more of xenocentrics than ethnocentrics?

8. How and why is cultural relativism a threat to morality?

9. Why can’t all cultural practices be always correct?

10. Should cultural diversity lead to moral diversity? Explain your answer.

Prepared by:

Ronali Asonda Tansico, LPT

Subject Teacher

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 SAINT JOSEPH COLLEGE of SINDANGAN INCORPORATED
Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines
Telefax No. (065) 224-2710/ +639121561506
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

ETHICS (GE 22)

Name : Course-Block :
Subject : Date :

ACTIVITY SHEET NO. 3 – Bizarre Cultural Practices

I. Directions : Below are some of the most bizarre cultural practices that are still being carried out today .
Research and study the following and fill up the chart below.

Cultural Practice History Cultural Reasons Why It

Significance Devalues Human Live
Finger amputation amongst the Dani
tribe of Indonesia when a loved one
dies.

Endocannibalism of the Yanomami

Tribe in the Amazon Rainforest.

The Toraja people of Indonesia’s

practice of exhuming the corpses of
their fellow villagers and parading them
around the village.

Ashura: Self-flagellation ritual of Shiite

Muslims.

The Eskimo’s rare funeral ritual of

setting the elderly adrift on a floating
iceberg when facing death or old age.

Prepared by:

Ronali Asonda Tansico, LPT

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Subject Teacher