Final answer:
The analysis focuses on the influence of cultural relativism on moral preconceptions and the balance needed between respecting cultural diversity and upholding universal ethical standards, especially in the context of globalized interaction and human rights discussions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When faced with the idea that we are "dragging behind all our moral preconceptions", we delve into the realm of ethics and the impact of cultural relativism on our understanding of morality. It is suggested that our intuitive judgments of right and wrong, although influenced by millions of years of evolution and social development, may still be shackled by biases and limited by the horizons of our own culture. Within this framework, moral preconceptions are challenged not only by evolving societal norms but also by exposure to different cultures which may hold divergent views on what constitutes moral behavior.
For instance, Western civilization has certain standards regarding human rights and freedoms that may not align with practices in other regions. Debates often arise on whether it is justifiable to impose these standards universally, or whether we should respect the cultures that have developed their own moral systems. An example is the controversy over practices like slavery or female genital mutilation in certain societies, which are condemned by many Western perspectives but are woven into the fabric of other cultures.
Understanding and reconciling these differences in moral preconceptions requires a balance between universal ethical principles and cultural sensitivity. The goal is to foster a world where varied cultural practices are respected but harmful actions are universally condemned. This balance is essential in globalized interaction and forms the bedrock of discussions on international human rights.