Is it possible for one culture to be morally superior to another?

Answer 1

YES!!!

Answer 2

As soon as you introduce the word "morally" you create another question: what is "moral"?

One possible answer is: A culture in which the largest possible array of practical benefits is enjoyed by the largest possible number of members of the population.

By this measure, the anglophone cultures, Britain, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, etc., are pretty moral cultures, and insofar as they are pursuing the same goals the same applies to India, the West Indies and South Africa. I have left Pakistan off the list because I think they have been left behind.

But another measure of what is moral about a culture might be the degree to which it cultivates human advancement in thought and free inquiry, the foundation of all other advances. By this measure, I would nominate the Athens of Pericles, more than four centuries BC. Regrettably, their econbomy rested on slavery. But they taught humanity how to think clearly and to govern democratically. Their ideas are the foundation of our modern world, or at least much of the best of it.

So yes, cultures do differ in their level of morality, whatever morality is.

Answer 3

Cultures are so complex, that it would be naive and simplistic to attribute moral superiority to one over another. However, it is certainly possible to say that specific traditions or customs within one culture are more or less equitable than that of another culture.

In general, any time someone uses a blanket statement about the superiority (moral or otherwise) or one culture over another, it should be a red flag. Claiming superiority over another culture is always the first step towards trying to enslave, conquer, or wipe out other cultures.

Answer 4

Absolutely. Take female circumcision for example. Its barbarous and terrible and serves no purpose but to placate a society of weak dicked men. This practice is wrong on so many levels yet accepted by a large chunk of certain cultures. A culture that practices this is morally weak.

Also, how about widow burning? Is that a cultural component worth keeping? How about the Olmec Jaguar cult that sacrificed the winners of that ball game they played? Thats a great way to celebrate, kill the healthy fit males that just won the match! LOL

Answer 5

It depends on how you determine what morals are superior. In this it also depends whether you believe that morals are absolute or not.

But yes, anyone could say that one culture is morally superior to another, while a different person could say the opposite.

Answer 6

Of course. Do you think that a culture that practices infant sacrifice, or kills handicapped people is equal to one that tries to preserve the lives of all?

Cultures are definitely NOT equal.

Answer 7

no