Is Morality Relative or are There Universal Standards?

Two Possible Answers Absolutism Ethical Relativism

Absolutism The notion that there is only one correct answer to every moral problem. A completely absolutist ethical theory consists of absolute principles that provide an answer for every possible situation in life, regardless of culture. Absolutism is opposed to Ethical Relativism.

Ethical Relativism Ethical Relativism holds that there are no universally valid moral principles, but rather all moral principles are valid relative to culture or individual choice. So it holds that there are moral principles, but that these standards are relative to the culture or individual

Ethical Relativism is Opposed to Absolutism.

There are Two Types of Relativism Cultural Relativism Conventionalism Subjectivism (Individual Relativism)

Cultural Relativism Individual acts are right or wrong depending on the nature of the society in which the occur. Morality does not exist in a vacuum. Morality must be seen in the context that depends on the wants, goals, beliefs, history, and environment of the society.

One Type of Cultural Relativism is Conventionalism This view states that there are no objective moral principles, but that all valid moral principles are justified by virtue of their cultural acceptance. This view recognizes the social nature of morality In this view, what is right or wrong in a society can change

Subjectivism Also known as Subjective Ethical Relativism Morality depends not on society, but rather on the individual. Morality is like taste or aesthetic judgment. Morality is in the eye of the beholder.

So is it all relative?

Critique of Absolutism People think the moral perspective of their culture is correct The “abnormals” of one society are the norms of another society. Cultural attitudes towards trances, polygamy, and homosexuality Cultural diversity forces us to accept moral relativism

Isn’t morality simply a term used to denote socially approved habits within a culture?

Critique of Relativism/Subjectivism Subjectivism leads to absurdities Aren’t we confusing tolerance with what is morally good? Cultural relativism has disturbing consequences

For Example, how does Uganda treat women and children? An unjust social system: Unequal division of labor Lack of access to education AIDS Polygamy

We do, in fact, believe in absolute moral standards/values

The Deep Beauty of the Golden Rule The Golden Rule is a universal procedural rule of ethics. We can test our values with the Golden Rule. The Golden Rule, if followed, would produce social harmony.

I Have a Dream, Martin Luther King There are many universal moral principles appealed to in this famous speech. King appeals to the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as well as justice.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights www.un.org/Overview/rights.html