Cultural Relativism: Shakespeare in the Bush
I had a conversation recently with an American guy who opined that democracy was sure to succeed in the Middle East due to the universal nature and appeal of some concepts. I think that we can demand universal standards of law, but this will necessarily be by international treaty - the world does not share, and may well not choose to share identical values. Where the more simplisitc view tends to fall apart is confusing Pax Romana with a true accord, when in fact even a common cultural volcabulary is not shared in many cases. For that gentleman, and other people who doubt this:
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