Mains Practice Questions

Approach:

• Introduce the answer by briefing about Ethical Relativism
• Give Arguments in Favor of Validity of Ethical Relativism in India
• Highlight the Limitations of Ethical Relativism in the Context of India
• Conclude with a relevant quote

Introduction:

In a multicultural society like India, ethical relativism—where moral standards are shaped by cultural contexts—offers both opportunities and challenges for governance.

• While it allows for the accommodation of diverse cultural practices, it can also complicate the formulation of universal policies.
• For instance, the debate over the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) illustrates the tension between respecting cultural diversity and the need for a unified legal framework.

Body:

Arguments in Favor of Validity of Ethical Relativism in India:

• Respect for Cultural Diversity: Ethical relativism ensures that governance is sensitive to the cultural and religious practices of different communities.
  • By recognizing that morality varies across societies, policies can be tailored to respect diverse traditions.
  • The Indian government's tolerant policy on religious attire is an example where ethical relativism helps accommodate cultural diversity
• Promotes Social Harmony By allowing communities to retain their unique moral systems, ethical relativism can help preserve social harmony.
  • It prevents the imposition of a singular value system that may be perceived as oppressive by some groups.
  • The reservation system in India acknowledges the cultural and historical disadvantages faced by certain communities (e.g., Scheduled Castes, Tribes, OBCs), offering them affirmative action to level the playing field.
• Flexibility in Policy Formulation: Ethical relativism allows for more flexible policies that can adapt to the needs and values of diverse communities, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.
  • PESA Act (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) allows local tribal self-governance, respecting the cultural ethos of tribal communities while enabling them to manage their affairs.
• Recognition of Autonomy and Sovereignty of Communities: Ethical relativism supports the idea that each community has the right to determine its own moral standards and live by them without external interference.
  • Example: Religious freedom in India is enshrined in the Constitution (Article 25-28), which allows individuals and communities to practice their religion without government interference.
• Encourages Tolerance and Coexistence: Ethical relativism, when applied, encourages tolerance between different groups by recognizing that no one culture or belief system is inherently superior.
  • Example: The communal harmony efforts in India, such as Interfaith Dialogue and Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence), focus on understanding and tolerance between communities with varying ethical and religious beliefs.

Limitations of Ethical Relativism in the Context of India:

• Undermines Universal Human Rights Ethical relativism may clash with universal human rights when cultural practices violate basic freedoms or equality.
  • In the case of certain practices, such as female genital mutilation (FGM) or child marriage, policies rooted in cultural relativism could allow harmful traditions to persist, despite their violation of fundamental human rights.
• Challenges in National Integration and Social Cohesion: Ethical relativism might encourage identity politics and deepening social divisions, as it promotes policies based on the distinct needs of each group.
  • The growing demands for more reservations from various other communities, such as the Jat community in Haryana have led to tensions and protests
• Erosion of Equality and Justice: Ethical relativism can perpetuate inequality by allowing harmful practices to continue under the guise of cultural respect.
  • In cases where certain cultural practices discriminate against women, children, or marginalized groups, relativism might prevent meaningful reform, as it prioritizes cultural respect over justice and equality.
  • Patriarchal practices in certain communities still restrict women's rights, such as limited access to education or work, due to deep cultural norms that relativism may inadvertently protect.

Conclusion

As Gandhiji aptly said, "A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people," highlighting the need to respect cultural diversity while safeguarding universal human rights. A balanced approach in governance is necessary, ensuring that policies uphold both cultural identity and fundamental freedoms. By following the ethical principles of 3Ps: Protection, Proportionality, and Participation, India can achieve unity in diversity while promoting justice and equality.