Moral Decisions

Absolute morality = This is when a person holds a principle such as ‘stealing is wrong’ and never alters it. This applies to all situations, no matter what the context or circumstance. The belief that there are certain actions that are always right or always wrong. The belief that moral laws exist eternally and are not just human inventions. Crime is something that is against the law of the land, sin is an action which goes against the will of God and so absolute morality is applied. It could be applied to an example such as it is wrong to kill, abortion and euthanasia.

What are the negatives of Absolute morality?

So even if someone is starving, it would not be right for them to steal a loaf of bread. Another example is that it is always wrong to kill. This relates to abortion and euthanasia. There would never be situation where abortion or euthanasia are acceptable. However, some Christians would argue that women should be allowed an abortion if they have been raped (lesser of 2 evils) or if a person is suffering pain from a terminal illness and hence does not have a good quality of life.

What are the positives of Absolute morality?

The principles/laws remain the same in all ages, across the world. Catholics believe in the sanctity of life hence abortion and euthanasia will always be wrong. This protects the unborn child/person at the end of their life.

Relative morality = This is the idea that a moral principle can be adapted or adjusted in certain situations. Moral relativism is the belief that there are always exceptions to moral laws; Moral relativism is the belief that moral laws are a consequence of human society an are invented. Moral relativism is the belief that moral laws change from place to place and from age to age.

What are the negatives of Relative morality?

Laws could be different from one country to another. What is acceptable in one country is not in another. For example, in some countries it is illegal to be homosexual. It is punishable by death. Whilst in other countries homosexuality is legal and it is illegal to discriminate against them. Slavery and racism were once acceptable as at the time it was legal (segregation).

What are the positives of Relative morality?

Stealing in principle is wrong, but if a person has no other way to get food, then stealing is justifiable. Killing is usually wrong, but in self defence, it might be acceptable