Lesson 6: In the Ted Talk by Sam Harris on Science and Morality, he argues for cultural relativism and that we should not judge other cultures, even if their morals do not agree with ours.

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Question restatement: The statement asserts that Sam Harris's Ted Talk on Science and Morality promotes cultural relativism and that we should not judge other cultures, even if their morals differ from ours. 
Option 1: True. Why someone might consider this option: A reader could interpret Harris as emphasizing tolerance of diverse moral norms without endorsing universal criticisms. In some discussions of morality, people worry that accusing other cultures of immorality is ethnocentric. 
Why this interpretation is flawed: In his work, Harris argues for a form of objective morality grounded in well-being and the scientific understanding of suffering and flourishing. He contends that moral truths can be discovered and that certain practices can be morally wrong regardless of cultural acceptance. Therefore, describing his position as cultural relativism and as forbidding judgment misstates his overall position, which emphasizes rational critique and universal welfare considerations rather than pure cultural arbitrariness. 
Option 2: False. Why this option is correct: Harris is known for challenging moral relativism and arguing that science can illuminate moral truths about well-being. He contends that moral claims are not merely products of cultural norms but reflect real differences in human flourishing that can be evaluated across cultures. This entails that some practices can be judged from a welfare-based, evidence-driven perspective, even if they are culturally sanctioned. 
Why this interpretation is correct: By grounding morality in the science of well-being, Harris provides a framework for universal critique of practices that cause harm, rather than endorsing a stance of non-judgment toward all cultures. He also cautions against simply accepting all norms as equally valid without scrutiny, especially when those norms produce suffering or violate basic humane considerations. 
Overall takeaway: The statement conflates Harris’s argument about using evidence and reason to evaluate morality with cultural relativism. The evidence from his approach supports judging based on well-being and rational assessment, not a blanket non-judgmental stance toward other cultures.

Introduction to Ethics Quiz for Unit 3

Lesson 6: In the Ted Talk by Sam Harris on Science and Morality, he argues for cultural relativism and that we should not judge other cultures, even if their morals do not agree with ours.

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