Moral realism

Definition

Moral realism is the philosophical position that asserts that there are objective moral facts and values that exist independently of human beliefs or opinions. This viewpoint suggests that ethical statements can be true or false based on these objective standards, rather than being merely subjective or culturally relative. In literature, moral realism often explores the implications of these objective morals in human actions and societal structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moral realism posits that moral facts exist independently from our thoughts, meaning they are universally applicable regardless of individual perspectives.
2. This concept is often contrasted with moral relativism, which argues that moral truths are culture-specific and can vary from one society to another.
3. In literature, authors who embrace moral realism often depict characters facing ethical dilemmas that highlight the struggle between objective moral truths and personal choices.
4. Moral realism plays a significant role in naturalistic literature by emphasizing how individuals' moral choices are influenced by their environments and inherent characteristics.
5. Prominent writers of moral realism often explore themes of justice, duty, and responsibility, pushing readers to consider the consequences of their moral beliefs.

Review Questions

• How does moral realism differ from ethical subjectivism in the context of literary analysis?
  • Moral realism asserts that there are objective moral truths that exist independently of individual beliefs, while ethical subjectivism claims that moral judgments are based solely on personal feelings. In literary analysis, this distinction is significant as it influences character motivations and conflicts within a story. For instance, characters in a morally realistic work might grapple with ethical dilemmas that align with universal moral truths, whereas those in an ethically subjective narrative may reflect varying individual perspectives without an overarching moral framework.
• Discuss how naturalism in literature can intersect with the principles of moral realism.
  • Naturalism emphasizes the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior, which can enrich the exploration of moral realism. In naturalistic literature, characters are often portrayed as products of their circumstances, yet they still face moral decisions that reflect objective ethical truths. This intersection allows for a deeper examination of how external factors shape individuals’ understanding of morality while still asserting that certain ethical standards exist beyond personal or cultural beliefs.
• Evaluate the impact of moral realism on modern literature and its relevance to contemporary societal issues.
  • Moral realism has a significant impact on modern literature as it encourages authors to engage with pressing ethical dilemmas relevant to contemporary society. By portraying characters who navigate complex moral landscapes, writers foster critical discussions about justice, responsibility, and societal norms. This approach resonates with readers today as it challenges them to consider the implications of their own beliefs in a world where objective morals may clash with personal perspectives or cultural practices, thus promoting reflection and dialogue about ethics in the real world.

Related terms

Ethical Subjectivism: The theory that moral judgments are based on individual feelings or opinions, suggesting that there are no objective moral truths.

Naturalism:

A literary approach that emphasizes a realistic portrayal of life, often including a focus on the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior.

Realism: A literary movement that aims to represent everyday life accurately and truthfully, focusing on ordinary characters and events.