Moral Absolutism Overview

Moral Absolutism

• Asserts existence of universal moral principles to judge actions across cultures.
• Represents a form of deontology, emphasizing duty over consequences.
• Faces significant challenges due to disagreements over which moral principles are correct.
• Example: Global consensus on treating others as one wishes to be treated, yet divergent views on issues like abortion and capital punishment.

Comparisons to Other Moral Theories

• Contrasts with moral relativism, which rejects universal moral values and sees morality as culturally dependent.
• Distinct from moral pluralism, which advocates for tolerance of diverse moral principles without claiming equality among all views.
• Despite claiming universality, moral principles differ widely by nation, culture, and religion.