1. Is Morality Relative or are There Universal Standards?

2. Two Possible Answers
Absolutism
Ethical Relativism

3. 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.

4. 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

5. Ethical Relativism is Opposed to Absolutism.

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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. So is it all relative?

11. 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

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

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

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

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

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights