Moral realism

Definition

Moral realism is the philosophical viewpoint asserting that there are objective moral facts and truths that exist independently of human beliefs or perceptions. This theory posits that some actions are morally right or wrong regardless of individual opinions, and it challenges moral relativism by maintaining that ethical statements can be true or false based on these objective standards. In the context of armed conflict, moral realism often emphasizes the moral justifications for war and the ethical conduct during warfare.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moral realism maintains that ethical truths exist and can be discovered through reason and rational discourse, rather than being mere social constructs.
2. In just war theory, moral realism provides a foundation for determining the morality of engaging in war and the ethics of conduct during warfare.
3. Proponents of moral realism argue that understanding objective moral truths is crucial for making ethical decisions in international relations.
4. Critics of moral realism often point to the diversity of moral beliefs across cultures as evidence against the existence of universal moral truths.
5. Moral realism plays a significant role in debates about humanitarian intervention, as it supports the idea that intervening in another country can be morally justified under certain circumstances.

Review Questions

• How does moral realism challenge moral relativism in the context of just war theory?
  • Moral realism challenges moral relativism by asserting that there are objective ethical standards that apply universally, regardless of cultural beliefs. In just war theory, this means that certain principles, such as proportionality and discrimination between combatants and non-combatants, are not merely subjective opinions but can be considered absolute moral truths. This challenges the idea that different societies can have equally valid interpretations of what is right or wrong in the context of war.
• Discuss the implications of moral realism for ethical decision-making in international relations regarding military intervention.
  • The implications of moral realism for ethical decision-making in international relations are profound, as it provides a framework for justifying military intervention based on objective moral grounds. For instance, if a humanitarian crisis occurs, moral realism supports the argument that intervening to prevent atrocities is not only permissible but a moral obligation. This contrasts with a relativist view, which might suggest that each situation should be judged solely on local beliefs and customs, potentially leading to inaction in the face of human rights abuses.
• Evaluate how adherence to moral realism could influence state behavior in times of conflict and its potential impacts on global stability.
  • Adherence to moral realism could significantly influence state behavior by promoting a sense of accountability to objective ethical standards during conflicts. If states accept that there are universal moral truths guiding their actions, they may engage more thoughtfully in warfare, leading to more restrained use of force and greater emphasis on protecting civilian lives. This approach could contribute to global stability by fostering cooperation among states rooted in shared ethical principles, ultimately reducing the frequency and intensity of conflicts driven by purely strategic interests.

Related terms

Just War Theory:

A doctrine that outlines the moral principles governing the justification for going to war (jus ad bellum) and the ethical conduct within war (jus in bello).

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

Moral Relativism: The idea that moral truths are not absolute but are relative to cultural, societal, or personal perspectives, suggesting that what is considered right or wrong can vary from one group to another.