In general, however, when a culture's understanding of absolute truth is determined solely by a group of elites, rather than being grounded in spiritual morality, several things may happen:
1. Loss of cultural identity: The culture may lose its sense of identity and purpose as it becomes disconnected from its traditional spiritual values and beliefs.
2. Fragmentation: Without a shared spiritual morality to unite people, the culture may become fragmented and divided as different groups interpret and apply the elite's understanding of truth differently.
3. Oppression: The elite group may use their power to oppress those who do not conform to their version of truth, leading to social inequality and political unrest.
4. Lack of flexibility: The culture may become rigid and inflexible in its beliefs and practices, as the elite's understanding of absolute truth may not allow for change or evolution over time.
5. Decline: Ultimately, the culture may decline in its influence and significance, as it becomes disconnected from the spiritual values and beliefs that gave it meaning and purpose.
It is worth noting, however, that the above outcomes are not inevitable, and there are many examples of cultures that have thrived despite significant shifts in their understanding of absolute truth. Additionally, the role of spiritual morality in a culture is complex and multifaceted, and its influence cannot be reduced to a simple binary between elites and morality.
The answer I got to the same question:
The truth or falsity of moral judgments, or their justification, is not absolute or universal, but is relative to the traditions, convictions, or practices of a group of persons. With respect to truth-value, this means that a moral judgment such as ‘Polygamy is morally wrong’ may be true relative to one society, but false relative to another1.
Cultural relativism is a widely held position in the modern world. Words like “pluralism,” “tolerance,” and “acceptance” have taken on new meanings, as the boundaries of “culture” have expanded. The loose way in which modern society defines these ideas has made it possible for almost anything to be justified on the grounds of “relativism.”2
I hope this helps answer your question. Let me know if you have any other questions
bkmk
This was a decent answer—pleasantly surprised.
What current “artificial intelligence” lacks is identity/telos.
If you are “intelligent” without a purpose for your being you are just a slave to whoever orders you around...
Goes to hell in a handbasket?
Perhaps the premise is wrong.
There is an assumption of absolute truth
And it said “that’s what culture is”. At least that’s what it should have said. Cause that actually is how you really define a culture. It’s the people who follow which elites that have declare things an absolute truth.
What happens to a culture when spiritual morality is determined by a group of elites?
GPT-3.5 or GPT-4?
Name the cultural examples and the societal results of such a shift in absolute truth.
Listen to Rush 2112.