Required Resources

Read/review the following resources for this activity:

· Textbook: Chapter 1, 2

· Lesson

· Minimum of 2 scholarly sources in addition to the textbook

Instructions

For this assignment propose a scenario where you or someone you know are confronted with a moral dilemma relating to cultural diversity and multiculturalism. It cannot be the same as what was covered in the week one discussion.

Cultural diversity refers to religious, sexual, racial, and other forms of social difference. A moral dilemma is a situation in which one must make a decision between two or more options such that the options involve seemingly ethical and/or unethical conduct. Address the following questions:

· What was the situation? What did the dilemma involve?

· What would a subjective moral relativist say is the right approach to the dilemma? Why would that kind of relativist say that?

· What would a cultural relativist say is the right approach to the dilemma? Why would that kind of relativist say that? Is that approach correct?

· What did you or the person confronting the dilemma decide to do? What moral justification did you or they give? Is that approach morally correct?

· Was there an objective moral truth (the objectively right thing to do) in this situation? Why or why not?

Remember, the dilemma should be detailed with description and dialogue. Regard the questions as requirements. This is an essay, so rather than simply providing a list of brief answers to questions, provide an in-depth reflection regarding a difficult ethical situation..

Cite the textbook and incorporate outside sources, including citations.

Requirements

· Length: 1.5-2 pages (not including title page or references page)

· 1-inch margins

· Double spaced

· 12-point Times New Roman font

· Title page

· References page (minimum of 2 scholarly sources)

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

This assignment requires you to analyze a moral dilemma involving cultural diversity using ethical theories, particularly subjective moral relativism and cultural relativism. Your goal is to present a realistic scenario, analyze it using philosophical perspectives, and reflect on whether there is an objective moral truth. Follow the step-by-step guide below to structure your essay effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Essay

Step 1: Create a Title Page

Your title page should include:

Essay title
Your name
Course name
Instructor name
Date

Example title:

A Moral Dilemma Involving Cultural Diversity and Ethical Relativism

Step 2: Write an Introduction (1 Paragraph)

Begin your essay by introducing moral dilemmas and cultural diversity.

Your introduction should:

Define what a moral dilemma is.
Briefly explain how cultural diversity can influence ethical decisions.
Introduce the scenario you will discuss.

Example structure:

Sentence 1: Introduce ethical dilemmas in multicultural societies.
Sentence 2: Explain that cultural differences can create moral conflicts.
Sentence 3: Introduce the scenario your essay will analyze.

Section 1: Describe the Moral Dilemma

Step 3: Present the Scenario in Detail

Describe a realistic situation involving cultural diversity.

Possible examples include:

A workplace conflict involving religious practices.
A disagreement about LGBTQ+ inclusion based on cultural beliefs.
A classroom situation involving cultural traditions.
A healthcare decision influenced by cultural values.

Your description should include:

The people involved
The cultural differences present
The ethical conflict
Dialogue or conversation between the individuals

Example dialogue:

“In my culture, it is disrespectful to question elders,” Maria explained.
“But in our workplace everyone is encouraged to speak openly,” her supervisor replied.

The goal is to clearly show why the situation is morally challenging.

Section 2: Subjective Moral Relativism

Step 4: Explain What a Subjective Moral Relativist Would Say

First, define subjective moral relativism.

This theory suggests that:

Moral judgments depend on individual beliefs and personal values.

Then explain how a subjective relativist would respond to your scenario.

Your explanation should include:

Why personal beliefs determine what is right or wrong.
How different individuals might reach different conclusions.

Example explanation:

A subjective moral relativist would argue that the correct decision depends entirely on the individual’s personal moral beliefs rather than universal ethical standards.

Section 3: Cultural Relativism

Step 5: Explain What a Cultural Relativist Would Say

Define cultural relativism.

This theory argues that:

Moral values are determined by cultural norms and traditions.

Explain how someone using cultural relativism would approach the dilemma.

Your discussion should include:

Respect for cultural practices
The idea that no culture’s moral system is superior to another

Then evaluate whether you believe this approach is correct or problematic.

You might discuss:

Strengths: Promotes tolerance and cultural respect
Weaknesses: May justify harmful practices

Section 4: The Decision Made

Step 6: Explain What Decision Was Made

Describe what you or the person in the situation decided to do.

Explain:

The reasoning behind the decision
The ethical principles involved
The potential consequences

Then evaluate whether you believe the decision was morally justified.

Section 5: Objective Moral Truth

Step 7: Analyze Whether There Is an Objective Moral Truth

Now address the philosophical question:

Was there a single objectively correct action?

Discuss:

Whether moral truths exist independently of culture or personal beliefs.
Whether some ethical principles (such as fairness or human dignity) apply universally.

Explain and justify your position.

Step 8: Write a Conclusion

End your essay with a paragraph summarizing:

The moral dilemma presented
How subjective and cultural relativism interpret the situation
The decision that was made
Your perspective on whether an objective moral truth exists

Your conclusion should highlight the importance of careful ethical reasoning in diverse societies.

Step 9: Add Your References Page

Your assignment requires at least two scholarly sources in addition to the textbook.

Examples of academic sources:

Textbook (your course text)

Rachels, J., & Rachels, S. (2019). The elements of moral philosophy. McGraw-Hill Education.

Scholarly sources

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy – Moral Relativism
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/moral-relativism/

Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy – Cultural Relativism
https://iep.utm.edu/moral-re/

Helpful Research Resources

Use these sites for scholarly information and citations:

Google Scholar
https://scholar.google.com

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
https://plato.stanford.edu

Purdue OWL APA Citation Guide
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide.html

JSTOR Academic Articles
https://www.jstor.org

Cultural Diversity Moral Dilemma Essay: Subjective and Cultural Relativism Analysis