Distinguish Normative Relativism and Descriptive Relativism?

Normative Relativism and Descriptive Relativism are two distinct forms of relativism that address different aspects of moral and cultural diversity.

Normative Relativism:
Normative Relativism is a perspective in metaethics that holds that moral truths are relative to particular cultures, societies, or individuals. It asserts that what is morally right or wrong is contingent upon the beliefs, values, or norms of a given culture or individual. However, normative relativism does not necessarily endorse the idea that all moral beliefs are equally valid. It acknowledges cultural diversity but may still allow for the evaluation of moral claims based on some criteria or standards.

Descriptive Relativism:
Descriptive Relativism, on the other hand, is an anthropological or sociological observation about the diversity of moral beliefs and practices across different cultures. It does not make normative claims about whether one set of moral beliefs is better or worse than another. Instead, descriptive relativism describes the variety of moral codes without necessarily endorsing or critiquing them. It is a factual observation about the existence of moral diversity rather than a stance on the legitimacy of different moral perspectives.

In summary, Normative Relativism addresses the question of whether moral truths are culturally contingent, often allowing for evaluation within certain parameters, while Descriptive Relativism is a descriptive stance highlighting the observed diversity of moral beliefs without necessarily making judgments about their validity.