Why might ethical relativism seem to support tolerance of different cultures?

Ethical relativism supports the tolerance of different cultures by positing that there is no objective, culture-neutral standard to determine which society’s moral code is correct. Because no single set of values holds special standing or universal authority, the doctrine suggests that one's own moral beliefs are not inherently superior to those of others.1

From this perspective, an attitude of "live and let live" toward the values of different societies appears appropriate. If all moral codes are merely products of their respective social arrangements and human feelings, then judging another culture's practices as "wrong" lacks an objective foundation. Consequently, ethical relativism is often viewed as a framework that encourages respect for diverse customs by denying the existence of a single, absolute truth that could justify imposing one society's standards upon another.1

However, it is important to note that critics argue this connection is flawed. They maintain that tolerance itself is a value that cannot be objectively proven "good" within a strictly relativist framework, and that relativism could theoretically be used to justify harmful practices if they are approved by a specific society's code.1