Week 1_Ethical Relativism - Tagged

• Chapter 19: Ethical Relativism

Introduction to Moral Perspectives

Definition of Moral Skepticism: The belief that there are no objective moral standards.

Distinction between uncertainty in ethical situations and moral skepticism.

Objective vs. Subjective Truths

Objective Truths/Standards

• Definition: Truths that are factual and remain constant regardless of beliefs.

• Examples:

The Earth is round.

Light travels faster than sound.

Personal facts (like height) are objective truths.

Importance: They exist independently of individual desires or beliefs.

Subjective Truths/Standards

• Definition: Truths that are based on personal opinions and feelings.

• Examples:

Preferences in alcohol (vodka vs. tequila).

Personal tastes in music and art.

Key Concept: They require qualifiers like "to me," indicating reliance on individual perspectives.

Objective Moral Standards

• Qualities of Objective Moral Standards:

Independent of individual thoughts.

True even without human existence.

Remain valid regardless of indifference or contrary desires.

Ethical Views on Morality

Ethical Objectivism

Definition: The belief in objective moral standards.

Moral Nihilism

Definition: The notion that there are no moral truths or objective moral standards.

Viewpoint: The world lacks inherent morality, determined instead by individual moral codes.

Ethical Relativism

Definition: The assertion that moral truths exist but are not objective.

Claim: Moral standards vary across different contexts but are present within those contexts.

Types of Ethical Relativism

Cultural Relativism

Definition: Correct moral standards depend on cultural or societal context.

Ethical Subjectivism

Definition: Moral standards are determined by individual beliefs and endorsements.

Arguments for Ethical Relativism

• Cultural Relativism Argument:

P1: Different cultures possess differing moral codes.

C1: No objective moral truth exists; morality is subjectively interpreted.

Disagreement and Moral Truths

• Comparison made with historical disagreements:

Just because there’s variation does not mean all are equally valid.

Moral Codes and Cultural Attitudes

• Argument structure:

P1: Diversity in moral codes suggests they reflect cultural attitudes rather than objective truths.

P2: Best explanations must hold true; therefore moral codes are not objectively true.

Ethical Subjectivism Discussion

• Ethical subjectivism asserts equal validity for all moral opinions:

P1: Everyone has a right to moral opinions.

P2: All opinions are equally plausible hence everyone’s beliefs are valid.

Critiques of Ethical Subjectivism

Question P2: Why must everyone’s opinions be equally plausible?

Tolerance and respect are separable from subjectivist ideas.

Implications of Ethical Relativism and Subjectivism

Reductio ad Absurdum Methodology

Demonstrating flaws in relativistic views through extreme consequences that contradict beliefs.

Consequences of Moral Relativism

Moral Infallibility: All societal practices would be deemed correct, eliminating critique of harmful beliefs (e.g., Nazism).

Moral Equivalence: Suggests all moral codes are equal; this ignores harmful practices.

No Intrinsic Morality: Goodness derived only from preference; prejudiced views could be justified as "good" if endorsed.

Doubt in Commitment: Ethical subjectivism complicates genuine moral uncertainty; individuals and cultures can have doubts.

No Moral Progress: Changes in moral views do not signify betterment under relativistic views.

Contradiction Issue: Definitions contradict if individuals hold opposing views on moral issues.

Subjectivism's Self-Contradiction Analysis

Example of contradictory statements on issues (e.g., abortion) leads to the conclusion that ethical subjectivism cannot hold as a valid viewpoint.

Cultural Relativism Contradictions

Rehearses similar arguments: contradictions in moral perspectives lead to an invalidation of cultural relativism as well.

Ideal Observer Theory

• Proposal of a rational, informed ideal observer to assess moral judgments:

• Benefits:

Room for moral progress and better judgment based on proximity to objective truths.

Acknowledgment of moral disagreement possible.

Challenges to Ideal Observer Theory

Critique: Disagreement among ideal observers undermines the premise; no guarantee for universal agreements on moral judgments.