The following text is about anthropology.
"Cultural relativism" in anthropology—the methodological principle of understanding practices within their cultural context before evaluating them—is often confused with "moral relativism"—the view that no culture's values are better than another's. Anthropologists may employ cultural relativism as a research tool while personally holding that some practices are wrong. The distinction matters: one can suspend judgment to understand a practice without ultimately endorsing it. Critics argue the distinction collapses in practice, but defenders maintain that empathy required for understanding need not prevent later evaluation.
What distinction does the text draw between cultural and moral relativism?
They are exactly the same concept with different names
Cultural relativism is a research method; moral relativism is a normative stance
Cultural relativism claims all practices are morally wrong
Moral relativism requires understanding before evaluation
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Cultural relativism is a "methodological principle" while moral relativism is "the view that no culture's values are better than another's"—method versus normative claim.
- Evidence: Methodological principle vs. normative view.
- Reasoning: Research tool is distinct from value claim.
- Conclusion: Method vs. stance distinction separates them.
Choice A is incorrect because the text distinguishes them. Choice C is incorrect because it's about suspending judgment, not claiming wrongness. Choice D is incorrect because cultural relativism requires understanding first.