Relativism and Multiculturalism: Lessons from History
The 21st century has seen an unprecedented movement towards pluralism and multiculturalism in societies across the world. The idea of cultural relativism has gained much traction, where cultural beliefs and practices are not judged by a universal standard, but by the standards of the particular culture in which they belong. Proponents of cultural relativism argue that it is necessary to respect the diversity of cultures, and that universal cultural norms are not only impossible to establish, but are also ethnocentric.
However, cultural relativism has also come under serious criticism from various quarters. Critics argue that it legitimizes oppressive social practices, such as practices that discriminate against women, children, or minority groups. Additionally, critics contend that cultural relativism may lead to the erosion of human rights and has the potential to create cultural isolationism.
In this article, we will examine the history of relativism and multiculturalism and the lessons we can learn from them in light of the contemporary debate surrounding cultural diversity.
The History of Relativism
In Western philosophy, the roots of relativism can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophy, specifically to the Sophists. The Sophists were thought to be a group of itinerant teachers who argued that there were no objective truths or moral values but that values were subjective and relative to each individual. They believed that the truth was whatever was deemed so by the prevailing culture in which they lived. Socrates, a contemporary of the Sophists, opposed this view, arguing that there were objective moral truths that were independent of cultural norms.
Later, during the Enlightenment period, Immanuel Kant argued that there were certain universal moral laws that applied to all human beings, regardless of culture or location. He believed that these universal laws formed the foundation of a just society and could not be disregarded by relativism.
In the 20th century, cultural relativism gained popularity as anthropologists and sociologists studied various cultures around the world. The values and beliefs of each culture were examined, and it was found that what was considered morally acceptable in one culture could be considered morally reprehensible in another. This realization brought to light the importance of cultural relativism and the need to respect and understand different cultures without imposing our own cultural standards.
The History of Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism is the coexistence of distinct cultural groups within society, and its history can be traced back to the early days of colonization and globalization. As colonizing powers spread their influence across the globe, they brought with them their own cultural norms. This resulted in the mixing of cultures and the creation of distinct cultural groups within a single society.
The concept of multiculturalism gained momentum in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s when groups such as African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans began to assert their cultural identity and demand equal rights. Canada adopted multiculturalism as official policy in 1971, becoming the first country to do so.
The Lessons We Can Learn
The history of relativism and multiculturalism provides us with valuable lessons that can help us navigate the contemporary debate surrounding cultural diversity.
First, we must recognize and respect cultural diversity. Cultural relativism has taught us that every culture has its unique interpretation of the world, and we must respect and understand these differences. Multiculturalism has taught us that we must celebrate cultural differences rather than try to homogenize them.
Second, we must recognize that there are universal human rights that apply to all individuals. The Enlightenment philosophers, such as Kant, argued that these rights exist independent of cultural norms and are necessary for a just and fair society.
Third, we must be aware of the potential dangers of cultural relativism. When we try to understand and respect other cultures, we must not legitimize oppressive practices that go against universal human rights. We must be willing to criticize cultural practices that discriminate against women, children, or minority groups.
Fourth, we must avoid cultural isolationism. The world is becoming increasingly globalized, and cultural isolationism is not a viable option. We must strive for multiculturalism and respect the diversity of cultures within society.
Conclusion
Relativism and multiculturalism have a rich history, and they continue to shape our understanding of cultural diversity and pluralism. We must recognize and respect cultural differences, but at the same time, we must not legitimize oppressive practices or disregard universal human rights. The lessons from history have taught us that multiculturalism and pluralism are necessary for a just and equitable society.