What is the primary limitation of cultural relativism?

The primary limitation of cultural relativism lies in the idea that it offers no basis for assessing right or wrong in different cultures. Cultural relativism posits that a person's beliefs and activities should be understood based on that person's own culture, which promotes an appreciation for cultural diversity and an avoidance of ethnocentrism. However, this approach can lead to challenges when evaluating practices that may be harmful or violate human rights; it creates a scenario where one might feel unable to make moral judgments about practices in other cultures, even when those practices contradict widely accepted humanitarian standards.

This limitation reflects the complexity in navigating cultural practices that might be seen as harmful or unjust when viewed through different ethical lenses. While cultural relativism seeks to foster understanding and respect for different cultural practices, it simultaneously restricts discussions about moral accountability and the possibility of advocating for universal human rights, as it does not provide a clear framework for establishing common ground or shared ethics across cultures.