Final answer:
Morality varies across cultures and societies, as described by descriptive ethical relativism, but normative ethical relativism's claim that each culture's morals are inherently correct is challenged by instances of minority-driven moral reforms. Philosophers contend that there might be a third alternative that encompasses universal ethical principles while recognizing cultural differences, illustrated by instances of worldwide condemnation of certain acts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many believe that morality is relative, varying across cultures and societies due to various ethical systems. This viewpoint, known as descriptive ethical relativism, is supported by cultural anthropologists' observations that moral codes, laws, and customs can differ significantly from one culture to another, what may be moral in one society could be immoral or illegal in another. Normative ethical relativism goes further, claiming that each culture's morals are correct simply because they are predominant in that society, negating any universal moral standards and making it difficult to criticize a majority view within a culture. Despite this, there are instances of minority criticisms resulting in moral reforms, challenging the notion of normative ethical relativism.
Across cultures, certain acts like female infanticide and genital mutilation may be condemned universally, suggesting that there are common moral grounds that surpass cultural differences. However, the debate between moral relativism and absolutism often overlooks a third alternative, as proposed by philosophers who seek to reconcile the existence of common ethical values with cultural variations. Moral pluralism acknowledges that while multiple moral frameworks exist, in some instances they may be irreconcilable due to their inherent differences.
In summary, while ethical relativism highlights the diversity of moral beliefs, it is also clear that certain principles, such as the wrongness of unjustified killing, echo universally. These examples challenge the claim that morality is merely a construct of cultural consensus, and they inspire continual philosophical efforts to define a broader ethical framework that could harmoniously incorporate different moral perspectives.