Initial Post Instructions
The study of ethics and philosophy is one that brings many different kinds of “thinkers” together. One person’s philosophy on ethics is another person’s philosophy on evil. We will be working this term on constructing personal ethical bases and understanding how ethical codes (both personal and professional) are created and followed.
To start us thinking about the different areas of philosophy and ethics, and how we fit into the different molds or world views, let’s imagine the following scenario:
It is 2019. The federal law banning female circumcision is still under appeal in the courts. You are a nurse assisting a plastic surgeon at a local hospital. The plastic surgeon comes from a country where they practice “female circumcision”. This practice is also sometimes called “female genital mutilation”.
Fire Eyes: Female Circumcision, Written by Soraya Mire, Directed by Soraya Mire, Ethnographer Soraya Mire, Narrated by Carol Christiansen (New York, NY: Filmakers Library, 1995), 57 minutes
You are not a member of the doctor’s culture but reside in a state where this practice is still legal. The plastic surgeon has agreed to perform this practice on a young girl, the daughter of a friend of the surgeon. The friend has authorized the procedure. The girl only knows this is a custom. You did not know that today you would be asked to assist in this procedure. You can refuse to participate (your job may be on the line in the future due to that decision). Or you can assist the surgeon. What ought you to do? We now want to examine the ethical issues involved. To do this, let’s look at the role of relativism, moral truths, and other issues.
For the initial post, address the following questions:
What would a subjective moral relativist say about what this doctor is doing? Do you agree with the subjective moral relativist? Why or why not?
Examine what a cultural moral relativist would say here. Do you agree with the cultural relativist? Why or why not?
Name and evaluate general criticisms of cultural relativism as being the wrong moral approach.
Is there an objective moral truth about any of the possible actions by the nurse and/or doctor in this case? Why or why not?
Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least one peer. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification.
Writing Requirements
Minimum of 2 posts (1 initial & 1 follow-up)
Minimum of 2 sources cited (assigned readings/online lessons and an outside scholarly source)
APA format for in-text citations and list of references
Course Outcomes
CO 1: Distinguish between cultural relativism and subjective relativism and assess both as moral approaches including an estimation of whether there are actually absolute moral truths.
RESPOND TO THIS POST FOR A FOLLOW UP POST
Hello Class and Professor,
In relation to this scenario, the subjective moral relativist could argue that the actions of the plastic surgeon are morally acceptable based on their cultural background and their belief on what is morally “right” or “wrong” simply based off whatever the surgeon says. The perspective of the subjective moral relativist states that morality is subjective and can differ amongst people and specific cultures. Personally, I do not agree with the subjective moral relativist because if their belief is that it doesn’t matter the age of the girls who are getting circumcised as long as they do so which would be a violation of the patient’s autonomy, regardless of their age. This is a very one-sided opinion and perspective. As BBC (n.d.) states, many objections to the practice of genital cutting are concerned with the circumstances in place for when it’s done.
A cultural moral relativist would say the procedure is moral due to cultural society that the girl practices in. As Rachels, S. & Rachels, J. (2023) state, this viewpoint means that one is expected to adhere to the customs of a larger group rather than oneself. I do not agree with this because this also does not allow for autonomy and the girls choice to make her own decision and express her opinion.
General criticisms of cultural relativism being the wrong approach would include the fact that there are no universal standards involved which can lead to violations of human rights. Also, cultural relativism can lead to inconsistency with morals since it suggests that a practice within a culture is morally acceptable even if it contradicts other cultural practices.
The objective moral truth by myself, the nurse, is that ultimately, I would consider that the female circumcision procedure should be decided by the young girl. She should be given a thorough description of the procedure, all it entails, risk factors, and side effects prior to making her decision. That would ensure that autonomy is being practiced. I would not feel comfortable being a part of this procedure for moral and ethical reasons.
References:
BBC – Ethics – Female circumcision. (n.d.). Www.bbc.co.uk. https://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/femalecircumcision/femalecirc_1.shtmlLinks to an external site.
Rachels, S., & Rachels, J. (2023). The Elements of Moral Philosophy (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
