I.

Culture
Culture is the integrated pattern of human knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors. It is characterized by:

●​ Composition: It includes language, ideas, customs, morals, laws, taboos, institutions, tools,
techniques, rituals, and art.
●​ Acquisition: It is learned by individuals as members of society; it is not transmitted through genes or
heredity.
●​ Religious Perspective: The Magisterium of the Church defines culture as a means for humanity to
become more virtuous and "fully human," ultimately opening one to the divine dimension.

II. Categories of Culture

Sociologists divide culture into two distinct types:

●​ Material Culture: Physical objects produced by a society, such as tools, streets, homes, and toys.
●​ Non-material Culture: Shared intangible elements, including language, values, rules, knowledge, and
meanings.

III. The Human Person and Culture

●​ The Moral Agent: Humans are born into an existing culture (a "factual reality") they did not choose.
●​ Cultural Influence: Specific traditions, like the Aristotelico-Thomistic (Greco-Roman) culture, shape
moral life by instilling beliefs in God and a divine worldly order.
●​ Subjectivity of Perfection: Different cultures define concepts like "perfection" differently—some see it
as an absolute state (100%), while others view it as a moldable, evolving model.

IV. Processes of Cultural Change

Cultures evolve through three primary mechanisms

Process Definition Key Characteristics

Enculturation Learning one's own Becomes a person's "cognitive map" and

culture from infancy to reference for acting (e.g., African marriage
death. customs).

Inculturation The rooting of the A two-way "dialogic" process: the Gospel

Gospel into a culture. transforms the culture, and the Church
incorporates cultural values.
Acculturation Adapting to or Often occurs through prolonged contact,
borrowing traits from such as with immigrants, refugees, or
another culture. indigenous peoples.
V. How Culture Shapes Moral Judgment
●​ Evaluation of Acts: Culture dictates what is considered "right" or "wrong." For example, gathering a
neighbor's vegetables may be "sharing" in one culture but "stealing" in another.
●​ Persistence of Culture: Cultural roots often have a stronger hold on an individual than formal
education.
○​ Example: An individual with a doctorate in Values Education may still revert to a tribal "culture of
vengeance" despite their academic training.
●​ Moral Evolution: Some cultural practices (like human sacrifice or female circumcision) are identified as
harmful and may be stopped through external intervention or "buying in" strategies.

Defining Cultural Relativism

At its core, cultural relativism is the principle that an individual's beliefs, values, and practices should be
understood based on their own culture rather than being judged by the criteria of another.

●​ Equal Validity: It views all moral and ethical systems as equally valid. No system is inherently "better"
or "worse" than another.
●​ No Ultimate Standard: It argues there is no universal or objective standard of good and evil. Right and
wrong are seen purely as products of society.
●​ Contextual Judgment: For example, practices like the treatment of women in specific African cultures
should only be judged within that specific cultural context, not by Christian or Western standards.

II. Cultural Perspective vs. Cultural Relativism

The text draws a sharp distinction between having a "perspective" and adopting "relativism."

●​ Cultural Perspective: This is a standpoint or viewpoint used to understand people. It is necessary for
appreciation and empathy (like looking at a building from different angles).
●​ The "Erosion of Reason": Relativism goes beyond understanding; it claims we cannot judge other
cultures at all. This removes the ability to use reason to argue whether an action is right or wrong,
potentially turning moral discussion into "meaningless gibberish."

III. Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths (The Virtues of the Theory)

●​ Promotes Tolerance: It encourages a non-judgmental attitude toward different ways of life.

●​ Promotes Understanding: It requires looking at the "why" behind cultural practices before dismissing
them.

Weaknesses (The Logical and Moral Failures)

The text highlights several critical flaws in strict cultural relativism:

1.​ Self-Contradiction:
○​ Relativism claims "truth is relative" and "there are no absolute truths."
 ○​ However, the statement "there are no absolute truths" is itself an absolute claim. This makes the
theory logically impossible.
2.​ The Problem of Tolerance:
○​ If morality depends entirely on culture, a culture that is intolerant is just as "right" as one that is
tolerant. A relativist has no objective reason to prefer tolerance over intolerance.
3.​ Inability to Criticize Atrocities:
○​ If there is no objective standard, we cannot morally criticize actions like:
■​ Genocide: Adolf Hitler’s actions would be as legitimate as Mother Teresa’s.
■​ Oppression: Racism, slavery, and the oppression of the poor become "morally
acceptable" if the culture approves of them.
■​ Violence: Starting a nuclear war or advocating for war for its own sake could not be
judged as "wrong" if a subculture deems it acceptable.
4.​ Moral Stagnation:
○​ By removing an impartial standard, valid criticism of harmful practices (like human sacrifice)
becomes impossible, as those practices are simply "products of the culture."

"Asian and Filipino Understanding of Moral Behavior"

I. Foundational Concepts

●​ Morality: The principles that guide right and wrong behavior, helping individuals live harmoniously in
society.
●​ Moral Behavior: Actions considered good and beneficial that promote individual well-being and social
harmony.
●​ Role of Culture: Culture is the primary shaper of moral standards. It is influenced by religion, traditions,
and philosophy.

II. Western vs. Asian Ethical Traditions

Aspect Western Traditions Asian Traditions

Basis Natural law and human reason. Religious beliefs and philosophical
traditions.

Focus Defining "goodness" through logic and Harmony, social obligations, and inner
discourse. peace.

Approach Often individualistic and rule-based. Often collectivist and relationship-based.

III. Asian Philosophical Perspectives

1.​ Confucianism: Focuses on social order, filial piety (respect for parents/ancestors), and the "Golden
Rule."
 2.​ Taoism: Emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao (the Way/Nature), simplicity, and humility.
3.​ Buddhism: Centers on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to end suffering through
compassion and mindfulness.
4.​ Indian Philosophy: Focuses on Dharma (duty) and Karma (action and consequence).

IV. Filipino Moral Behavior

●​ The "Hybrid" Nature: Filipino morality is unique because it blends Asian values (community harmony)
with Western influences (specifically Spanish/American Christianity).
●​ Core Values:
○​ Pakikisama: Maintaining good feelings and avoiding conflict within a group.
○​ Utang na Loob: A sense of gratitude or a "debt of heart" that remains lifelong.
○​ Bayanihan: The spirit of communal unity and cooperation.
●​ Role of Religion: Heavily influenced by Roman Catholicism, emphasizing faith, kindness, sacrifice, and
forgiveness.

V. The Filipino Character: Weaknesses (Moral Recovery Program)

The 1988 Shahani Report identifies 8 key weaknesses that hinder national progress:

1.​ Extreme Family Centeredness: Using power/office to promote family interests (leads to nepotism).
2.​ Extreme Personalism: Taking things personally; inability to separate objective tasks from emotions.
3.​ Lack of Discipline: Aversion to rules, poor time management (Filipino Time), and ningas cogon.
4.​ Passivity and Lack of Initiative: Waiting to be told what to do; high tolerance for poor service or
oppression.
5.​ Colonial Mentality: Preference for foreign things over local culture/products.
6.​ Kanya-Kanya Syndrome: Crab mentality; using tsismis or intrigue to pull others down.
7.​ Lack of Self-Analysis: Being superficial; using humor to avoid facing serious structural problems.
8.​ Emphasis on Porma over Substance: Focusing on grand appearances rather than quality or
depth.

VI. Proposed Goals for Change

To develop the Filipino character, the report suggests fostering:

●​ Patriotism and National Pride (Counteracts Colonial Mentality).

●​ Common Good (Counteracts Kanya-Kanya and Family Centeredness).
●​ Integrity and Accountability (Counteracts Extreme Personalism).
●​ Discipline and Hard Work (Counteracts Lack of Discipline).
●​ Self-Reflection and Analysis (Counteracts Superficiality