Ethical subjectivism

Definition

Ethical subjectivism is the philosophical view that moral judgments and values are based on individual feelings, opinions, or perspectives rather than on objective truths. This theory suggests that what is considered right or wrong is determined by personal beliefs and emotions, making morality inherently subjective and variable among different people.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethical subjectivism asserts that moral statements are true or false depending on individual perspectives, meaning there are no absolute moral truths.
2. This theory highlights the role of personal emotions and opinions in forming ethical beliefs, making morality deeply personal.
3. Critics of ethical subjectivism argue that it leads to moral chaos, as any action could be justified based on an individual's beliefs.
4. Ethical subjectivism can be contrasted with ethical objectivism, which holds that there are universal moral standards applicable to all people.
5. The rise of ethical subjectivism aligns with postmodern thought, emphasizing individual experiences and perspectives in understanding morality.

Review Questions

• How does ethical subjectivism differ from ethical objectivism in terms of moral judgments?
  • Ethical subjectivism differs from ethical objectivism by asserting that moral judgments are rooted in individual feelings and opinions, making them subjective and variable. In contrast, ethical objectivism maintains that there are universal moral truths that apply to all individuals, regardless of personal beliefs. This fundamental difference shapes how each perspective views the nature of morality, leading to diverse implications for ethical discussions.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of ethical subjectivism as a theory of ethics.
  • The strengths of ethical subjectivism include its acknowledgment of personal experience and the importance of individual perspectives in moral decision-making. It empowers individuals to form their own values based on their emotions and situations. However, its weaknesses lie in its potential for moral chaos and the lack of a common framework for resolving ethical disputes. Critics argue that without some objective standards, any behavior could be deemed acceptable if an individual believes it is right.
• Discuss how ethical subjectivism can influence contemporary debates on moral issues such as abortion or euthanasia.
  • Ethical subjectivism significantly influences contemporary debates on moral issues like abortion or euthanasia by emphasizing personal beliefs and emotions over universal principles. In these discussions, individuals may justify their positions based on their unique experiences and feelings, leading to a wide array of opinions. This diversity can foster understanding but can also complicate consensus-building on contentious issues, as people prioritize their subjective viewpoints over shared moral standards.

Related terms

Moral Relativism: The belief that moral principles are not universal and can vary based on cultural, social, or personal contexts.

Emotivism: A meta-ethical view that suggests moral statements express emotional attitudes rather than objective facts.

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