Final answer:
Morality is influenced by cultural context and is seen as a set of social rules varying across different cultures, known as relativism. Yet, despite these differences, there might still be universal moral principles that guide human behavior. Morality is essential for human coexistence and is present in all societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Concept of Morality in Different Cultures
The concept that what is considered right or wrong must be understood within the context of a specific culture aligns with the philosophy of relativism. This philosophical viewpoint suggests that morality is a construct comprising various rules, customs, and mores that are socially accepted and that they differ from culture to culture. Due to the interplay between people and their social institutions, as well as the survival needs within communities, moral development occurs over time.
However, the Theory of Normative Ethical Relativism is not without its critiques. It faces the challenge of explaining universal human experiences that suggest certain moral principles may be universally valid, despite differing cultural practices. For instance, many cultures may have variations in what acts justify taking a life, yet share a basic understanding that unjustified killing is wrong. Hence, while there is a significant degree of variability in moral codes worldwide, there also appears to be a fundamental set of ethical principles that are common to humanity.
Morality cannot be dismissed solely as a social construct as it serves essential purposes for human coexistence. All societies exhibit some form of moral code, indicating a universal aspect of human social life. Whether through laws, ethics, or mores, these guidelines shape human behavior and are integral to the formation of communities and nations.