Moral relativism

Definition

Moral relativism is the philosophical idea that moral judgments and ethical standards are not absolute but rather are shaped by cultural, social, or individual perspectives. This means that what is considered morally right or wrong can vary greatly between different societies or even between individuals within the same society. It challenges the notion of universal moral truths, suggesting that morality is subjective and context-dependent.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moral relativism is often contrasted with moral absolutism, which posits that certain ethical standards apply universally regardless of context.
2. In Hobbes's view of the state of nature, individuals act primarily out of self-interest, leading to a chaotic environment where moral norms become subjective and fluid.
3. Moral relativism can lead to a more tolerant view of differing cultures, as it emphasizes understanding over judgment when evaluating moral beliefs.
4. Critics argue that moral relativism can undermine the basis for criticizing harmful practices in other cultures, as it posits that all moral views are equally valid.
5. In the context of Hobbes’s philosophy, moral relativism suggests that without a common authority, humans might have conflicting views on what constitutes right behavior in their pursuit of survival.

Review Questions

• How does moral relativism differ from moral absolutism in terms of ethical standards and judgments?
  • Moral relativism differs from moral absolutism in that it posits that ethical standards are not universal but vary according to cultural, social, or individual perspectives. While moral absolutism holds that certain actions are inherently right or wrong regardless of context, moral relativism suggests that what is deemed morally acceptable can change based on different societal norms or personal beliefs. This difference highlights the complexity of ethical discussions in diverse societies.
• In what ways does Hobbes's state of nature illustrate the principles of moral relativism?
  • Hobbes's state of nature illustrates moral relativism by depicting a scenario where individuals prioritize self-interest over communal ethics. In such a chaotic environment, traditional moral norms break down, leading to varying interpretations of right and wrong based on personal survival instincts. This reflects how, without a governing authority, individuals may adopt flexible moral perspectives tailored to their immediate needs rather than adhering to fixed ethical codes.
• Evaluate the implications of adopting a moral relativist perspective on global ethical debates regarding human rights and cultural practices.
  • Adopting a moral relativist perspective in global ethical debates raises significant implications for how we approach human rights and cultural practices. It encourages a more empathetic understanding of diverse values and norms but also poses challenges in critiquing harmful practices justified by cultural traditions. This tension highlights the difficulty in establishing universal human rights standards while respecting cultural differences. Ultimately, navigating this complex landscape requires careful consideration of both ethical flexibility and the need for certain fundamental rights.

Related terms

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.

Ethical Subjectivism: The view that moral judgments are statements of one's feelings or attitudes, thus implying that moral truths are determined by individual perspectives.

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