Ethical subjectivism

Definition

Ethical subjectivism is the view that moral judgments are based on individual feelings, opinions, and perspectives rather than objective truths. This theory suggests that what is right or wrong varies from person to person and that there are no universal moral standards applicable to all individuals. It connects to discussions around the nature of morality and how personal beliefs influence ethical perspectives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethical subjectivism challenges the existence of universal moral principles, suggesting that morality is a personal construct.
2. This viewpoint can lead to moral skepticism, where individuals doubt the validity of moral claims altogether.
3. Proponents argue that ethical subjectivism allows for greater tolerance of differing opinions on morality since it recognizes individual experiences.
4. Critics highlight that ethical subjectivism can result in moral inconsistency, as it lacks a common standard to resolve ethical disputes.
5. Ethical subjectivism emphasizes the significance of emotional responses in moral decision-making, asserting that feelings shape one's ethical views.

Review Questions

• How does ethical subjectivism differ from moral relativism, and what implications does this have for understanding personal morality?
  • Ethical subjectivism is primarily focused on individual feelings and opinions as the basis for morality, while moral relativism considers the cultural context in which these morals arise. This means that ethical subjectivism allows for each person to hold their own moral views based solely on their emotions, which can vary greatly. In contrast, moral relativism suggests that one should understand differing morals through the lens of cultural norms, leading to broader implications for how we perceive and interact with diverse moral systems.
• In what ways can ethical subjectivism lead to moral skepticism, and what are the potential consequences of this connection?
  • Ethical subjectivism can lead to moral skepticism because if every individual's feelings shape their moral judgments, then it becomes difficult to assert any objective truth about what is right or wrong. This skepticism can result in a lack of confidence in moral claims and lead to an 'anything goes' mentality where individuals believe that no moral argument is stronger than another. The consequences may include increased conflict in society as differing subjective views clash without a common ground for resolution.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of ethical subjectivism in comparison to moral absolutism regarding ethical decision-making.
  • Ethical subjectivism has strengths in promoting tolerance and recognizing diverse perspectives on morality, as it validates individual feelings and experiences. However, its weaknesses lie in its potential for moral inconsistency and inability to provide a reliable framework for resolving conflicts. In contrast, moral absolutism offers a solid foundation with universal standards but may ignore the complexities of personal circumstances. Evaluating both perspectives reveals a tension between respecting individual differences while seeking a cohesive approach to ethics.

Related terms

Moral Relativism: The idea that moral truths are not absolute but are relative to the cultural, social, or personal context in which they arise.

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.

Moral Absolutism: The ethical belief that there are absolute standards against which moral questions can be judged, and that some actions are universally right or wrong, regardless of context.