Morality and cultural differences

the long version

Carefully examining the arguments for and against moral relativism, Cook exposes not only that anthropologists have failed in their attempt to support relativism with evidence of cultural differences, but that moral absolutists have been equally unsuccessful in their attempts to refute it. He argues that these conflicting positions are both guilty of an artificial and unrealistic view of morality. Cook undertakes to show that a more subtle and complex account of morality reveals that moral relativism and moral absolutism must both be rejected. A pathbreaking book, Morality and Cultural Differences deftly illustrates how philosophy, when patiently pursued, can be relevant to our everyday concerns. This accessible and cogent work is an ideal text for beginning and advanced students of ethics, philosophy, and anthropology. Anyone interested in the debate surrounding cultural relativism will find it to be engaging reading.