Relativism and the Search for Human Rights

Abstract

The theory of ethical relativism has been the subject of much misunderstanding. It is argued that the central insight of relativism is enculturation and not tolerance. Relativism is characterized as a metaethical theory about the nature of moral perceptions. As such it is logically consistent, permits moral criticism, and is compatible with cross‐cultural universals. The existence of universals may indicate global support for particular human rights.