MODULE: VAL02 – ETHICS
CULTURAL RELATIVISM
A. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of cultural relativism.
B. Analyze crucial qualities of the Filipino moral identity.
C. Evaluate elements of the Filipino character and its impact on moral decision-making.
In this chapter, we explore how culture 📝 Guide Questions:
shapes our understanding of morality. You
will learn how different societies form their 1. Are all cultural practices morally
own moral standards, why cultural relativism acceptable simply because they are part of
exists, its strengths and weaknesses, and a culture?
how Filipino values and identity influence
moral decision-making. 2. How do we respect cultural differences
while still upholding universal human
Understanding culture is essential in studying
dignity?
ethics because it helps us see why people
behave the way they do, and how shared
beliefs shape moral choices.
“Culture is the lens through which we see the world.”
Imagine that each of us is wearing a pair of glasses.
These glasses represent our culture—our beliefs, traditions, values, language, and the way we were raised.
When we look at the world, we do not see things exactly the same way.
Why?
Because our “cultural lenses” affect how we understand people, situations, and behaviors.
For example:
If you grew up in a culture that values respect for elders, you will see talking back as rude.
If someone grew up in a culture that values individual expression, they may see the same behavior as
confidence.
Same situation, different interpretations, because we are using different lenses.
So when we say,
“Culture is the lens through which we see the world,”
it means:
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MODULE: VAL02 – ETHICS
Culture shapes how we think.
Culture influences what we consider right or wrong.
Culture affects how we view other people and events.
TOPIC 1: WHAT IS CULTURAL RELATIVISM?
Understanding Cultural Relativism
Cultural relativism begins with the idea that truth and morality vary from culture to culture. What is
considered "right" in one society may not be considered "right" in another.
Relativism claims:
“What is true for you is true for you, and what is true for me is true for me.”
Similarly, cultural relativism suggests:
“What you believe or practice depends on your culture, and what I believe or practice depends on mine.”
Cultural relativism is the idea that a person’s beliefs, values, and practices should be understood within
their own cultural context, rather than judged using the standards of another culture.
📝 Guide Questions:
3. Are all cultural practices morally
acceptable simply because they are part
of a culture?
4. How do we respect cultural differences
while still upholding universal human
dignity?
It argues that:
There is no ultimate universal standard of right and wrong.
All moral systems are equally valid.
Moral judgments depend on cultural norms.
Example: An African woman's social role should be understood through African culture—not judged based on
Western or Christian standards.
TOPIC 2: CULTURAL RELATIVISM VS. CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE
The Important Distinction
Cultural perspective means trying to understand another culture’s practices.
Cultural relativism means refusing to judge any practice as morally right or wrong.
Understanding perspectives helps promote empathy. However, extreme cultural relativism becomes
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MODULE: VAL02 – ETHICS
problematic because:
It eliminates the ability to criticize harmful or unjust practices.
It removes universal moral standards.
It makes morality meaningless.
Logical Problems of Extreme Relativism
Relativism contradicts itself. If "all truths are relative," then the statement “Some truths are absolute”
must also be valid.
If every belief is valid, then even beliefs that reject relativism are valid. Thus, relativism collapses
logically.
Moral Problems of Extreme Relativism
If morality is only based on culture:
Genocide may be considered "acceptable" if culturally approved.
Racism or slavery cannot be morally condemned.
Tolerance is not required unless a culture values tolerance.
This shows that cultural relativism must be balanced with moral reasoning.
This shows that cultural relativism must be balanced with moral reasoning.
TOPIC 3: THE FILIPINO CHARACTER
Understanding the Filipino Identity
The Filipino moral identity is shaped by family, community, traditions, and shared values. These characteristics
strengthen the Filipino spirit—but they can also become weaknesses when taken to extremes.
This section draws from the Moral Recovery Program (Shahani
Report, 1988), which helped shape Values Education in the
Philippines.
Strengths of the Filipino Character
Pakikipagkapwa – treating others with humanity and respect
Bayanihan – cooperation and community support
Hospitality – warm, generous treatment of guests
Resilience – strength in times of hardship
Faith and spirituality – strong moral guidance
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MODULE: VAL02 – ETHICS
Potential Weaknesses
Hiya (shame) – fear of embarrassment leading to dishonesty or inaction
Utang na loob – gratitude that can be abused or manipulated
Pakikisama – desire to fit in, sometimes leading to moral compromise
Sakop mentality – being loyal to one’s group to the point of excusing wrongdoing
Dependence on external approval – “What will others say?”
These traits are neither entirely good nor bad; their moral value depends on how they are used.
TOPIC 4: STUDIES ON FILIPINO MORAL CHARACTER
Prominent Filipino scholars studied Filipino morality such as:
Fr. Jaime Bulatao Fr. Leonardo Mercado Fr. Vitaliano Gorospe
Key Concepts
“Kami” Mentality – loyalty to family and group (“us vs. them”).
“Sakop Mentality” – morality influenced heavily by the group’s expectations.
“Conscience from the Outside” – behavior driven by fear of gossip, judgment, or shame.
Example: Parents telling their daughter not to go out with a suitor because “Nakakahiya, what will the neighbors
say?”
Impact of “Group Thinking”
This mentality can:
Strengthen community connection.
Encourage cooperation.
But also lead to covering up wrongdoing, blind loyalty, or dishonesty.
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MODULE: VAL02 – ETHICS
TOPIC 5: IMPACT OF CULTURE ON MORALITY
Culture plays a huge role in how people determine right and wrong.
Shame Culture (e.g., Japanese Culture)
Focuses on avoiding shame
Maintains social order through humility and self-control
Extreme form: suicide (hara-kiri) to restore honor
Guilt Culture (e.g., Filipino Culture)
Focuses on personal conscience and forgiveness
Guilt can be relieved through confession or apology
Sometimes leads to a cycle of sin → guilt → forgiveness → repeat
Why This Matters
If a society easily falls into mob mentality or avoids moral confrontation, it may reflect a need for stronger moral
development.
Families, schools, and communities must work together to teach young Filipinos the values of:
Critical thinking
Moral independence
Conscience from the inside
Real-Life Example: Juan’s relatives ask him to lie to protect a family member who committed a
wrongdoing. They tell him, “Pakisama na lang, pamilya tayo.” Juan feels torn between utang na loob and
doing what is right. In the end, he chooses honesty, realizing that respecting his culture doesn’t mean
supporting actions that are morally wrong.
WRAP-UP QUESTIONS
1. Is cultural relativism helpful or dangerous in today’s world?
2. How does Filipino culture influence your moral decisions?
3. What Filipino values make you proud? Which ones do you think need improvement?
Aquinas, Thomas. Summa Theologiae. Kant, Immanuel. Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals.
Jean-Paul Sartre. Existentialism is a Humanism.
Bernas, Joaquin. The Philippine Constitution: A Reviewer Primer.
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). Documents on Moral Teaching..
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