Make a list of 5 things that you would say might be wrong in certain situations Compare your list with the person next to you and come up with a common list with which you both agree. Order the items, from ‘most likely to always be wrong’ to ‘least likely to always be wrong’ For each of the 5 items, give a plausible exception where you might be justified in breaking the rule 5 mins Bottom of test yourself page in booklet

Key Question: ‘Are some things only right or wrong for certain people, times and cultures?’ Refer to timeline

the view that there are no universal moral norms. Moral Relativism the view that there are no universal moral norms. things are not wrong or right in and of themselves what is wrong in some circumstances can be right in others 15 10 min

Relativism is being promoted in today’s world 14th April 2007 Julian Baggini For millennia, most people believed that right was right and wrong was wrong, and that was all there was to it. Now university lecturers report that their fresh-faced new students take it as obvious that there is no such thing as ‘’the truth’’ and that morality is relative. In educated circles at least, only the naïve believe in objectivity.’ Put in to booklet Discuss – do you agree?

Types of relativism The 2 main types of relativism are subjective moral relativism and cultural relativism. What do you think these mean? Subjective Moral: an argument which is based on personal views or wishes. Cultural relativism: where what is right or wrong depends on the culture.

PROTAGORAS (Ancient Greek philosopher): Subjective Moral Relativism There is no truth in anything beyond the way it seems. There is no objective knowledge, because all knowledge depends upon the perceptions of the person. There’s no objective truth. Truth is only true for you, or true for me. Man is the measure of all things. Is one of us more right than the other? Does it matter if we think different things? – no unless it hurts someone? How do you draw that line. Is this ethics?

Subjective Moral Relativism If I say ‘I like marmite’ and you say ‘I like marmite’ both of us are right Protagoras said moral statements were like this If someone says they think ‘abortion is right’, and another says they think ‘abortion is wrong’ both are saying things that are true because they are the truth for each person. What is right for one person could be wrong for another so morality depends on your perspective. Write a short explanation Can you see any problems with this?

Cultural Relativism Different cultures have different moral codes. Therefore, there is no objective ‘truth’ in morality. Right or wrong are only matters of opinion, and opinions vary from culture to culture Cultural relativism refers to not judging a culture to our own standards of what is right or wrong, strange or normal. Instead, we should try to understand cultural practices of other groups in its own cultural context. Cultural relativism Customs Tradition Language Ideology Politics Religion 15mins CULTURAL RELATIVISM = The theory that moral rules can be determined by the culture you belong to: what is morally right in one culture might not be morally right in another. Chinese and westerners have different concepts of human rights. They should not intervene with each other’s moral practice.’ ‘Polygamy is wrong in western societies but not so in the Middle East. The ethics of marriage is just a matter of social norm.’

Chinese and westerners have different concepts of human rights Chinese and westerners have different concepts of human rights. They should not intervene with each other’s moral practice.’ ‘Polygamy is wrong in western societies but not so in the Middle East. The ethics of marriage is just a matter of social norm.’ Cultural Relativism Different… Customs Tradition Language Ideology Politics Religion 15mins CULTURAL RELATIVISM = The theory that moral rules can be determined by the culture you belong to: what is morally right in one culture might not be morally right in another.

Why is cultural relativism more attractive than individual relativism? The need for common moral codes within a nation/culture The value of tolerance in international politics

Cultural Relativism In a story recorded by Herodotus in the Histories, King Darius observed that while certain Greeks burnt the bodies of their fathers, a different group of people called the Callations ate the bodies of their fathers. He brought the two groups together and asked how much he would have to pay them to adopt the practice of the other. In both cases the groups were outraged at the suggestion and refused to follow the practice of the other for any amount of money. What was right for one tribe was wrong for the other. 15mins CULTURAL RELATIVISM = The theory that moral rules can be determined by the culture you belong to: what is morally right in one culture might not be morally right in another.

What does this picture represent?

Strengths of relativism It allows people to find happiness and fulfilment in relationships, without being bound by duties. It is more “in tune” with the modern world than absolutism. It can appeal to religious and non-religious people alike. It encourages people to examine ideas from the perspectives of others and other cultures

But, what are the Weaknesses of relativism? Some acts are inherently selfish and wrong - there have to be at least some fixed moral rules. Relative values like ‘love’ and ‘happiness’ are difficult to apply. People will disagree about their meaning. Nobody’s ideas, morals, ethics are better than anyone else’s

Consequences of cultural relativism One cannot criticize the moral practices of other societies. Cultural/social norms become the basis of moral judgment. We ‘should’ be tolerant to other societies’ moral practices if they do not harm us.

A Question… Suppose we are in a society with people coming from different cultures, what can the government do to deal with their conflicts of values?

The harm principle ‘the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others.’ John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)

A terminally ill man asks his wife to help him commit suicide. How would Subjective Moral Relativism be used to solve the following dilemmas? A 15-year-old girl is pregnant after being raped, and is considering abortion. A terminally ill man asks his wife to help him commit suicide. A man is considering committing adultery on his wife who has Alzheimer's and cannot remember him.

How would Cultural Relativism be used to solve the following dilemmas? A 15-year-old girl is pregnant after being raped, and is considering abortion. A terminally ill man asks his wife to help him commit suicide. A man is considering committing adultery on his wife who has Alzheimer's and cannot remember him.

THINK…Where are you…? absolutist relativist