Defining Ethical Relativism
Ethical relativism is the philosophical position that moral judgments, beliefs, and practices are true or false only relative to a particular standpoint, such as a culture, historical period, or individual. This view asserts that there are no objective, universal moral truths that apply to all people at all times; instead, morality is considered a product of human convention and context, varying from one framework to another.
Key Principles and Forms
The core principle of ethical relativism is the denial of universally binding moral principles. It primarily manifests in two forms: Cultural Relativism, which states that moral principles are derived from and validated by cultural norms and practices, meaning what is right in one culture may be wrong in another. Individual Relativism (or Subjectivism) posits that morality is a matter of personal opinion, where each individual's moral judgments are equally valid for themselves. Both forms suggest that there is no superior moral standard against which all others can be judged.
A Practical Example of Ethical Relativism
Consider the practice of eating certain animals. In some cultures, consuming beef is a dietary staple and perfectly acceptable, while in others, it is considered morally wrong or sacrilegious due to religious beliefs or animal welfare concerns. An ethical relativist would argue that neither culture's view is objectively superior or 'more correct' than the other; rather, the moral permissibility of eating beef is relative to the specific cultural or religious framework in question, highlighting the diversity and contextual nature of moral values.
Implications and Applications
Ethical relativism often promotes tolerance and an understanding of diverse moral viewpoints, encouraging caution against ethnocentric judgment. It suggests that judging other cultures' practices by one's own moral standards is inappropriate. However, critics argue that it can undermine the possibility of universal human rights, make moral progress meaningless, and prevent the condemnation of harmful practices, as it provides no objective basis for moral critique across different frameworks.