Aliens and Ethical Relativism

Out of the Silent Planet raises some important questions about how we should think about alien systems of morality: when can we praise them? When can we criticize them? But, of course, even without worrying about aliens, we can ask a similar question: when, if ever, is it fair to criticize someone else’s system of morality? Or, for that matter, our own?

To prepare for class:

First, if you haven’t finished Out of the Silent Planet yet, do so.

Second, read The Challenge of Cultural Relativism. Content warning: the reading includes discussions of several sensitive topics. The discussion of these topics is not gratuitous, as part of the point of the reading is to reflect on various cultural practices, and when (or whether) it is okay for us to criticize them. But, of course, feel free to skip any passages if you find them difficult to read.