How is "cultural relativism" best defined?

Cultural relativism is best defined as assessing a culture by its own standards. This concept emphasizes understanding a culture on its own terms without imposing external judgments. It encourages one to appreciate the beliefs, practices, and values of a culture in their specific context, recognizing that what might seem unusual or wrong in one culture may have significance and logic in another. By promoting an objective viewpoint, cultural relativism aids in fostering tolerance and respect for diversity, which is essential in our interconnected world, allowing individuals to engage with cultures different from their own without bias. This understanding is crucial in fields such as anthropology, sociology, and international relations, where cultural context greatly influences human behavior and social norms.