Relativism and Subjectivism

Relativism

The belief that truth, knowledge, and morality are not absolute but are relative to the individual, cultural, or historical context.

The Cultural Differences Argument

Elements of cultural moral codes that differ cannot be objectively right or wrong, ie. there is no objective truth

Consequences of supporting relativism

Other societies customs cannot be morally inferior

The morality of an action within the cultural context is based on that society’s moral code

Moral progress is impossible because the old moral code must have been perfect already

Benefits of supporting relativism

Warns us about assumption that preferences are absolute standards, tells us to keep an open mind about other cultures

Subjectivism

Concept that our moral opinions are based on feelings and nothing more, therefore an objective right and wrong cannot exist

Simple Subjectivism

When a person says something is morally good or bad, it is simply an indication of their personal approval/disapproval.

Benefits of supporting simple subjectivism

Explains the basic concept of subjectivism

Consequences of supporting simple subjectivism

Cannot account for falliability because people are not wrong if they have different feelings.
Cannot account for disagreements on morally correct option because this correctness depends on feelings which differ

Emotivism

Moral language is not a fact stating language, but is instead a means for influencing behavior and an expression of attutude

Benefits of emotivism

Doesn’t have the issues of disgreement and falliability that simple subjectivism has, while still focusing on feelings

Consequences of emotivism

No objective truth can exist, doesn’t even attempt a claim at the truth

Rather than giving good reasons, give any reason in attempt to persuade others to agree with you