The issue of the existence of objective moral principles is a very complex topic. Many people, including the ancient Greeks, noticed that different cultures had differing standards of right and wrong. They noticed the phenomenon of cultural differences hundreds of years ago and concluded that ethics and morals are relative. However others, including Socrates, believed that there are certain universal truths and objective considerations that all people must take into account. Thus Socrates believed that certain things are universally wrong and did not comply with these universally wrong actions within cultures. For example, it is not right to rape women irregardless of where you are and where you live. Even if you live within a culture that accepts it, that does not make raping women correct and they should all be aware that they are doing something morally wrong when practicing this custom. Each side has a different view but the truth stands independent of societies" actions or interpretations. Objective moral truths exist and cultural relativism does not. Cultural influence occurs and we see this because essentially every individual's moral principles are formed by their society. If we were raised in a society in which female circumcision was commonly practiced, we would think the practice was completely normal. Whether we like it or not we are products of our society for virtually all thingsThis is where objective moral principles come in. Yes, it is wrong to rape women in any culture, that is an objective moral truth, but is it wrong to practice female circumcision? We cannot deny the influence of our culture and society upon our moral beliefs. However I do believe that there are certain moral objective truths that transcend every society and culture. Cultural relativism says that there are no objective moral principles so I am not saying that both can coexist because clearly they cannot.
