Text 1: Philosopher Dr. Katherine Wells defends cultural relativism. "Moral standards emerge from specific cultural contexts," Wells argues. "Judging other societies by our values constitutes ethical imperialism. Each culture's practices make sense within their own frameworks."
Text 2: Human rights scholar Dr. David Park asserts universal principles exist. "Some practices—torture, slavery, genocide—violate human dignity regardless of cultural justification," Park contends. "Relativism becomes excuse-making when it protects harmful traditions from scrutiny."
Based on the texts, how would Park characterize the potential danger of Wells's position?
That it prevents any cross-cultural communication
That it could justify practices that cause serious harm
That it makes anthropological research impossible
That it originated in Western philosophy
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Park explicitly warns relativism "becomes excuse-making when it protects harmful traditions." He sees Wells's framework potentially shielding torture and slavery from critique.
- Evidence: Park lists extreme violations relativism might excuse.
- Reasoning: If all practices "make sense within frameworks," harm becomes unjudgeable.
- Conclusion: Park fears relativism justifies serious harm.
Choice A is incorrect because communication isn't Park's concern. Choice C is incorrect because research methods aren't discussed. Choice D is incorrect because origins aren't the issue.