Ethical relativism

Definition

Ethical relativism is the view that moral values and judgments are not universal and instead are shaped by cultural, societal, or individual contexts. This means that what is considered right or wrong can vary significantly between different cultures or individuals, making morality subjective rather than absolute. In discussions about the nature of piety and moral definitions, ethical relativism raises questions about whether moral standards can be objectively defined or if they are merely reflections of societal norms and beliefs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethical relativism suggests that morality is dependent on cultural context, leading to potential disagreements about what constitutes moral behavior.
2. In the context of Euthyphro, ethical relativism challenges the idea of a single definition of piety, as different societies may have varying interpretations.
3. This view raises critical questions regarding tolerance and judgment of different moral practices across cultures.
4. Plato's dialogues often highlight the conflict between relativist views and the search for universal truths in morality.
5. Ethical relativism can lead to moral uncertainty, as it makes it difficult to critique harmful practices in other cultures without imposing one's own moral framework.

Review Questions

• How does ethical relativism challenge the concept of a universal definition of piety as discussed in Euthyphro?
  • Ethical relativism directly challenges the notion of a universal definition of piety by suggesting that different cultures and societies may have distinct understandings of what is considered pious. In Euthyphro, Socrates questions Euthyphro's definition of piety by pointing out that if morality varies from one culture to another, then Euthyphro's claims could be seen as subjective rather than objective. This leads to a deeper exploration of whether piety can be universally defined or if it is simply a reflection of societal beliefs.
• Discuss how ethical relativism influences our ability to critique moral practices in different cultures.
  • Ethical relativism complicates our ability to critique moral practices in different cultures because it posits that there are no absolute standards for morality. This means that actions deemed acceptable in one culture might be considered wrong in another, leading to a reluctance to judge those practices. Critics argue that this perspective can lead to moral complacency, as it becomes challenging to advocate against harmful behaviors when they are culturally sanctioned. Therefore, ethical relativism raises significant ethical dilemmas regarding human rights and moral accountability.
• Evaluate the implications of ethical relativism on the search for objective moral truths in philosophical discourse.
  • The implications of ethical relativism on the search for objective moral truths are profound and complex. It raises fundamental questions about whether it is possible to establish universally applicable moral principles or if all moral judgments are merely reflections of cultural contexts. Philosophers like Plato sought to uncover these objective truths through dialogue and reasoned argumentation, yet ethical relativism poses a significant challenge by suggesting that such truths may not exist. This ongoing debate affects various areas, including ethics, law, and international relations, as societies navigate differing moral landscapes.

Related terms

Moral Absolutism: The belief that there are objective moral principles that apply universally, regardless of culture or personal beliefs.

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

Subjectivism: The view that moral judgments are based on individual feelings and opinions, implying that there are no objective standards for morality.