PHIL24 Intro to Ethics - Relativism

Definition: Denies the existence of universally valid moral principles; argues that all moral standards are valid relative to cultural or individual choice.
Distinction from other theories:
- Ethical Skepticism: We cannot know if any moral principles are valid.
- Ethical Nihilism: There are no valid moral principles at all.

Subjectivism: Morality is seen as personal; moral decisions are made by individuals.
- Example: If you believe premarital sex is acceptable and I don't, we are both right according to our individual beliefs.
Conventionalism: Morality is determined by societal norms; moral permissibility depends on cultural acceptance.
- Example: Abortion may be deemed wrong in one society and permissible in another, showcasing that morality shifts with societal views.

Cultural Relativism: Acknowledges the variety of morals across cultures, describing social facts without asserting moral validity.
Ethical Relativism: Provides normative validity to cultural differences.
- The two can coexist but are not equivalent.

Ethical Objectivism challenges relativism, asserting some moral principles are universally applicable regardless of cultural acceptance.
Absolute Principles: Some moral principles cannot be overridden by others, while others may hold objective validity but be context-dependent.
- Example: One may face a moral dilemma between keeping a promise and saving a life; the latter often takes precedence.

Moral Absolutism: One true morality, consistent across all contexts.
Moral Objectivism: Universal principles exist but may be contextually overridden.
Subjective Universalism: Morality is not inherently valid until chosen but must apply universally when selected.
Conventionalism: Validity is rooted in societal consensus.
Subjectivism: Each person's morality is unique.
Amoralism: Denial of moral truths.
Moral Skepticism: Uncertainty about the existence of moral truths.

Diversity Thesis: Acknowledges various moral rules across cultures without validating relativism.
Dependency Thesis: Ignores that moral principles can flourish independently from cultural acceptance.
Ethical Relativism's Consequences: Leads to moral permissiveness for oppressive or abusive practices as long as they are culturally accepted.

Ethical relativism undermines the foundation for critiquing immoral practices, leading to contradictions in moral judgments.
Reformers challenging societal norms risk condemnation in a relativistic framework, questioning the validity of movements for justice.

Pojman argues that ethical relativism fails to provide an adequate framework for moral reasoning.
It suggests that without universal principles, one cannot rationalize moral progress or criticize heinous acts.

A discussion on moral relativism illustrates the complexity surrounding ethical principles in diverse cultures.
The debate emphasizes the need for a balanced understanding of ethical frameworks, recognizing valid cultural variations while striving for overall moral standards.