MODERN NOVEL The Prince of Tides

Moral Absolutism The belief that there are absolute standards against which moral questions can be judged, and that certain actions are right or wrong. Morals are inherent. For example: Killing is always immoral—even in self- defense. In this case, it may be pardoned, but it is still morally wrong.

Moral Objectivism There are moral principles that are moral or immoral independent of what others may believe, think or feel. But, the principle must be specifically framed. Example: “It is wrong to kill innocent people because you don’t like them.”

Moral Relativism Each society has its own moral code. There are no universal standards only local principles. There is no such thing as objective morality. One cannot judge the morality of other cultures or states. Example: “If the society permits killing the innocent, it is right for that society.”

Moral Subjectivism What an individual believes is right or wrong is so for that individual. No one person’s opinion about morality is more correct than another. Example: “The killing of the innocent may be right depending on the individual situation.”

Moral Nihilism Nothing is right or wrong. There are no standards of behavior. Example: “The killing of the innocent is neither right nor wrong.” This leads into absurdism (to be covered later)

REACT 1 Adolf Hitler believed that it was his moral obligation to exterminate the Jews. He was following his own moral code and thought he was right, so we cannot call him wrong.

2 It is wrong to kill innocent people because we don’t like them.

3 Stealing from others is always wrong.

4 Morality is like table manners. Here it is inappropriate to eat rice with your hand; while in many parts of Asia, it is totally appropriate. Here, we do not encourage suicide bombings; but in other areas, it is very heroic. What is right in one country may be wrong in another; no society’s view is more correct than another.

6 Abusing one’s wife is wrong.

Socratic Seminar Wrap-Up So, let’s revisit our big questions… Are humans responsible for their actions? What makes (or will make) humans happy? Do we need universal laws? Absolute laws? Societal laws? Personal laws? What examples have you can you use from East of Eden?