Ethical consensus

Definition

Ethical consensus refers to the general agreement among a group of individuals or cultures regarding what is considered morally right or wrong. This concept emphasizes the idea that certain moral principles can be universally accepted, creating a foundation for ethical standards that transcend individual beliefs and cultural differences. The existence of an ethical consensus can support the notion of universalism, suggesting that objective moral truths are possible and can guide human behavior across diverse contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethical consensus suggests that despite cultural differences, there can be shared values that foster moral agreement among individuals and societies.
2. This concept is often used to support arguments for universal human rights, asserting that all humans share certain inherent dignities regardless of their backgrounds.
3. In discussions about ethical dilemmas, achieving an ethical consensus can help guide decision-making and create a common ground for resolving conflicts.
4. The existence of an ethical consensus may strengthen the argument against moral relativism by demonstrating that some ethical principles are widely accepted across various cultures.
5. Ethical consensus can contribute to social cohesion by establishing common moral standards that foster mutual understanding and cooperation among diverse groups.

Review Questions

• How does ethical consensus support the concept of universalism in moral philosophy?
  • Ethical consensus supports universalism by illustrating how certain moral principles are agreed upon across different cultures and societies. This shared agreement reinforces the idea that some values, such as justice and fairness, can be deemed universal truths applicable to all people. By establishing a foundation for these widely accepted morals, ethical consensus underlines the possibility of achieving objective moral standards that transcend individual beliefs.
• Discuss how ethical consensus challenges the perspective of moral relativism.
  • Ethical consensus poses a significant challenge to moral relativism by highlighting instances where diverse groups arrive at similar moral conclusions. This commonality suggests that while cultures may vary in practices and traditions, there are underlying ethical principles that many recognize as fundamental. Such agreements undermine the relativist view that morality is entirely subjective, indicating instead that some moral truths may be universally acknowledged.
• Evaluate the implications of ethical consensus on social justice movements worldwide.
  • The implications of ethical consensus on social justice movements are profound, as it provides a rallying point for advocates striving for change. When movements can draw on widely accepted moral principles—like equality and human rights—they gain credibility and support from broader audiences. This shared moral understanding helps unite individuals from different backgrounds, empowering them to work collectively toward social reform and reinforcing the notion that certain ethical standards should be upheld universally.

Related terms

Universalism:

A philosophical perspective that posits certain moral values and principles are universally applicable to all human beings, regardless of culture or personal beliefs.

Objective Moral Truths:

The belief that there are moral facts or truths that exist independently of individual opinions or cultural norms.

Moral Relativism:

The view that moral judgments and values are not absolute but vary between cultures and individual perspectives, opposing the idea of universal moral truths.