Moral Relativism

Definition

Moral relativism is the philosophical viewpoint that suggests that moral judgments and values are not absolute but rather relative to the cultural, social, or individual contexts in which they arise. This perspective challenges the idea of universal moral truths and posits that what is considered morally right or wrong can vary significantly across different societies and situations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moral relativism asserts that moral principles are shaped by cultural and social influences, making them subjective rather than universal.
2. This viewpoint is often contrasted with moral absolutism, which holds that certain actions are intrinsically right or wrong regardless of context.
3. Critics of moral relativism argue that it can lead to ethical nihilism, where no action can be deemed wrong, potentially undermining social cohesion.
4. Proponents suggest that moral relativism promotes tolerance and understanding among diverse cultures by recognizing differing moral frameworks.
5. Moral relativism has implications in various fields such as ethics, law, and international relations, where differing cultural perspectives can influence debates on human rights.

Review Questions

• How does moral relativism challenge the concept of objective moral truth?
  • Moral relativism challenges objective moral truth by suggesting that morals are not universal but rather influenced by cultural and societal contexts. This implies that what is considered right in one culture may be viewed as wrong in another, leading to the conclusion that no single moral framework holds true for all individuals. Consequently, the belief in objective moral truths becomes problematic as moral judgments become subjective and dependent on various factors.
• What are some potential consequences of adopting a moral relativist perspective in societal discussions about ethics?
  • Adopting a moral relativist perspective can lead to increased tolerance and understanding of different cultural practices and beliefs, as it acknowledges the legitimacy of diverse moral systems. However, it may also result in challenges when addressing issues like human rights violations or social injustices, as relativism can create a reluctance to criticize practices seen as unacceptable in one's own culture. This duality can complicate debates on ethics, especially in a globalized world where differing values intersect.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of moral relativism in contemporary ethical discourse, particularly regarding its impact on global issues.
  • The strengths of moral relativism in contemporary ethical discourse include its promotion of cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity, which is crucial in our interconnected world. However, its weaknesses lie in the potential for ethical ambiguity; if all morals are relative, it becomes difficult to condemn harmful practices universally, leading to ethical paralysis. This becomes particularly problematic in addressing global issues like human rights abuses, where a commitment to certain absolute standards could foster accountability and justice.

Related terms

Cultural Relativism: The belief that a person's beliefs and activities should be understood based on that person's own culture, rather than be judged against the criteria of another culture.

Ethical Subjectivism: The view that moral judgments are statements about the feelings or attitudes of individuals, meaning that morality is based on personal preferences rather than objective standards.

Moral Absolutism:

The ethical belief that there are absolute standards against which moral questions can be judged, regardless of context or circumstance.