Theories of Truth Cultural Relativism

• Relativism is the incorrect notion that truth is relative to societies. (Remember, this theory is incorrect.)
  • (Note: Do not confuse relative claims with relativism. They are different concepts.)
• Also known as "Social Relativism."
• Relativism is the idea is that something could be true for the French but false for the Chinese.

Implications of relativism

• a. Social infallibility
• b.If the whole of society accepted anything as true, then it would be true.
  • Example: The earth is flat.
    
  • Example: Jews must be exterminated.
    
  • Example: It's all right to own slaves.
    The fact is that groups as well as individuals are prone to error.
• c. If society were infallible, then it would be impossible to disagree with society and be right.
  • Reformers would automatically be wrong.
  • Nothing in society could ever change. Institutions like slavery, or the practice of arresting innocent people and torturing them would be acceptable always.