Moral Absolutism

Definition

Moral absolutism is the ethical view that there are absolute standards against which moral questions can be judged, and that certain actions are right or wrong regardless of the circumstances or their consequences. It holds that there are universal moral principles that apply in all situations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moral absolutism holds that there are universal, objective moral truths that apply in all situations, regardless of the consequences.
2. Moral absolutism is often associated with deontological ethical frameworks, which focus on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions rather than their outcomes.
3. Proponents of moral absolutism believe that certain actions, such as murder or lying, are always wrong, even if they might lead to positive consequences.
4. Moral absolutism contrasts with moral relativism, which holds that moral standards are subjective and vary across individuals, cultures, and situations.
5. The debate between moral absolutism and moral relativism is central to discussions of normative moral theory and the requirements for a viable ethical framework.

Review Questions

• How does moral absolutism differ from moral relativism in its approach to ethical decision-making?
  • Moral absolutism holds that there are universal, objective moral truths that apply in all situations, regardless of the consequences. In contrast, moral relativism believes that moral standards are subjective and vary across individuals, cultures, and situations. Moral absolutists judge the morality of an action based on its adherence to these universal principles, while moral relativists evaluate the morality of an action based on the specific context and its outcomes.
• Explain how the concept of moral absolutism relates to the deontological approach to ethics.
  • Moral absolutism is often associated with deontological ethical frameworks, which focus on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions rather than their outcomes. Deontologists believe that certain actions, such as murder or lying, are always wrong, even if they might lead to positive consequences. This aligns with the moral absolutist view that there are universal, objective moral truths that apply in all situations. The deontological emphasis on duty and the inherent nature of actions is a key connection to the moral absolutist perspective.
• Analyze how the debate between moral absolutism and moral relativism is central to discussions of normative moral theory and the requirements for a viable ethical framework.
  • The debate between moral absolutism and moral relativism is at the heart of discussions about normative moral theory and the essential elements of a robust ethical framework. Moral absolutists argue that there must be universal, objective moral principles that can be applied across all situations, while moral relativists contend that moral standards are inherently subjective and context-dependent. This fundamental disagreement over the nature of morality has significant implications for the development of normative moral theories, as it shapes the criteria by which these theories are evaluated and the specific requirements they must meet to be considered viable. The resolution of this debate is crucial in establishing the foundations of a coherent and defensible ethical framework.

Related terms

Moral Relativism: The view that moral truths are not absolute, but rather depend on the individual, culture, or situation.

Deontology: An ethical framework that judges the morality of an action based on the action's adherence to a rule or rules, rather than the consequences of the action.

Utilitarianism: A consequentialist ethical framework that judges the morality of an action based on its outcomes, specifically its contribution to overall human (or sentient) well-being or happiness.