128k views
4 votes
Which of the following does not describe the views of Ruth Benedict on morality?

1) Morality is relative to culture
2) Morality is universal
3) Morality is determined by individual preferences
4) Morality is shaped by social norms

User BenRollag
by
7.0k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The option that does not describe Ruth Benedict's views on morality is that 'morality is universal.' She argued that morality is relative to culture and shaped by social norms, contrasting with the universalist position on morality.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is asking about the belief of Ruth Benedict regarding morality and which statement does not represent her views. Ruth Benedict was an anthropologist who suggested that morality is relative to culture and that different societies and cultures have different rules and mores, which shapes their morality. This concept is known as cultural relativism. Therefore, Benedict believed in the idea that morality is shaped by social norms, contrary to the universalistic approach that suggests there are absolute moral values that apply to everyone regardless of cultural differences.

Looking at the options provided, the option that does not describe her views is the statement that morality is universal. Benedict's relativistic perspective does not align with the idea that morality is the same across all cultures. Instead, it's a concept that may differ from one culture to another, which suggests that the concept of universal morality is incompatible with her views.

Moreover, Benedict's view suggests that morality should not be seen as solely determined by individual preferences, as the dominant cultural norms play a significant role in defining what is considered moral within that society. This reads against a purely subjective perspective on morality.

User Avolkmann
by
8.5k points