Integration in intercultural ethics

Normative theories of the ethical stances sojourners should adopt with respect to their host cultures typically encourage sojourners to either adapt themselves to the norms of the host culture or maintain their own ethical norms while simultaneously “respecting” the norms of the host culture. This paper argues for an alternative approach which suggests that cross-cultural dialogue on ethics can lead to the creation of synergetic “third cultures” which integrate positive aspects of each of the original cultures in novel ways. The paper examines the concept of integration at three different levels: (1) the individual/psychological level; (2) the interpersonal/intercultural level; and (3) the formal level.