Some Moral Minima by Lenn Goodman

Some Moral Minima by Lenn Goodman

Introduction

Relativism is quite relative when it is dealt at both real time and philosophical level. Goodman has really made a good case in his article “Some Moral Minima” which says that the role of relativism in society is restricted doctrine and there are certain criteria on which the universe agreed upon being wrong. According to him genocides, terrorism, polygamy/slavery and rape/clitoridectomy are the actions that unacceptable for every culture. These four wrongs need to be evaluated that whether they are really wrong in every culture or not? If they are right in any culture than the issue is subjected to relativism otherwise it can be called a universal constant or taboo.

Discussion

There are certain things that are acceptable in one culture but are acceptable for another one. It may include marriage at younger which is quite acceptable in East but always condemned in Western society. On the other hand, Lenn Goodman believes that there are certain actions that are wrong in every culture despite of their belonging to any region or religion. It can be said that he is talking about human universals which are common traits among the whole humanity such as myths, kinships, incest etc. under this point it can be argued that relativism still exist but the four wrongs are constant for every culture.

The issue of genocide is first to be discussed that is the action of mass murdering of people grounded over some specific race, religion or trait. The initial response to genocide is negative at most of the occasions especially from the emotional people but it needs to be thought that if it was really wrong then it would not have exist at all. Genocide is based on fear, convenience, fear of pollution and revenge. ...