Contemporary Social Problems Unit 1

Moral Relativism

A challenge against moral objectivism.

Moral Objectivism

The same moral standard that consists of all that determines moral good or bad.

Example of Moral Relativism

Choosing whether or not to eat animals; vegetarians argue it is morally wrong, but there's no universal moral standard against it.

Strength of Moral Relativism

Respects different moral beliefs and practices across societies.

Weaknesses of Moral Relativism

Can make any practice morally right, leading to no moral standard, hindering societal progress.

Subjectivism

Different moral standards for different people, based on personal beliefs at a given time.

Example of Subjectivism

One person may find drinking alcohol wrong due to conscience, while another does not.

Strength of Subjectivism

Accounts for individual moral beliefs and recognizes that they can change.

Weaknesses of Subjectivism

May lead to a lack of coherent moral principles, risking no morality at all.

Cultural/Popular Relativism

Different moral standards for different societies based on their beliefs.

Example of Cultural Relativism

One society may accept polygamy while another holds monogamy as the moral standard.

Strength of Cultural Relativism

Recognizes the validity of different moral standards across cultures.

Weaknesses of Cultural Relativism

Forces members of a society to adhere to its moral standards, complicating moral progress.

Divine Command Theory

Morally right acts are those commanded by God.

Example of Divine Command Theory

Murder is wrong because God commands against it.

Strength of Divine Command Theory

Provides objective moral standards based on divine will.

Weaknesses of Divine Command Theory

Not all believe in God; may justify any act if claimed as God's command.

Objectivism

One universal moral standard holds for all people and societies.

Example of Objectivism

Lying is morally wrong, even if a society accepts it in certain situations.

Strength of Objectivism

Allows for criticism of atrocities like slavery or genocide.

Weaknesses of Objectivism

Difficult to articulate what the single moral standard is.

Natural Law Theory

Identifies values for moral principles that hold universally, accounting for specific situations.

Natural Value

Desirable end toward which nature aims.

Example of Natural Law Theory

Killing an innocent human being is universally recognized as wrong.

Strength of Natural Law Theory

Considers consequences and intentions, allowing for moral flexibility.

Weaknesses of Natural Law Theory

Challenging to define what is 'natural', leading to varied moral judgments.

Utilitarianism

The morally right act produces the greatest overall utility.

Consequentialist theories

Define morality based on consequences.

Utility

The result that creates the most joy or benefit.

Example of Utilitarianism

A drug trial that risks harm for potential greater societal benefit.

Strength of Utilitarianism

Objective, flexible, and seeks to maximize happiness for the majority.

Weaknesses of Utilitarianism

Can justify harmful actions for the majority's happiness.

Deontology

Focuses on duties rather than consequences to determine morality.

Example of Deontology

Lying is morally wrong regardless of beneficial outcomes.

Strength of Deontology

Emphasizes moral duties and protection of individual rights.

Weaknesses of Deontology

Moral dilemmas can arise from conflicting duties.

Kantianism

Rejects consequences; moral actions arise from duty.

Example of Kantianism

Helping someone because it is one's moral duty, regardless of personal benefit.

Strength of Kantianism

Promotes universal respect and ethical treatment of individuals.

Weaknesses of Kantianism

Can be too rigid, ignores consequences.

Rossianism

Seven prima facie duties that should be fulfilled unless overridden.

The Seven Duties

Fidelity, Reparation, Gratitude, Justice, Beneficence, Self-improvement, Non-maleficence.

Example of Rossianism

Choosing between meeting a friend and saving a life.

Strength of Rossianism

Explains moral dilemmas without a single overriding principle.

Weaknesses of Rossianism

Depends on individual intuition, which can vary.