Moral Relativism in Ethics

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Questions and Answers

What does the Diversity Thesis in moral relativism assert?

Moral beliefs are universally valid.
People disagree on moral beliefs. (correct)
Moral beliefs are static across cultures.
Everyone agrees on moral beliefs.

According to the Relativism Thesis, how is the rightness or wrongness of beliefs determined?

By logical reasoning without cultural influence.
Relative to the culture or moral tradition of a group. (correct)
By individual opinions alone.
Through universal moral standards.

What implication does the Tolerance Thesis have in the context of moral beliefs?

Tolerance is unnecessary in moral discussions.
Tolerance only applies to widely accepted moral norms.
Individuals should adopt tolerant attitudes towards differing beliefs. (correct)
Moral beliefs should be imposed universally.

What does moral relativism suggest about the nature of ethical norms?

They depend on societal or individual decisions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario challenges the Relativism Thesis most directly?

A universally accepted moral code. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What element is essential for the Tolerance Thesis to hold true?

Social conventions that include tolerance. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How might cultural influences impact individual moral beliefs?

They shape and inform the moral perspectives individuals hold. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What critical distinction is made regarding differences in moral beliefs?

Differences in moral beliefs may stem from varying circumstances. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What primarily characterizes the focus of applied ethics?

The implementation of ethical principles to solve specific moral issues (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do normative ethical theories function within the realm of applied ethics?

They offer a foundation for arguments in specific moral controversies (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the discussion of cultural influences on morality, what is a common critique against relativism?

It overlooks common moral threads shared across cultures (C) Signup and view all the answers

What role does tolerance play in moral philosophy from a relativistic perspective?

It is crucial for maintaining harmony in diverse moral frameworks (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge presented by the Diversity Thesis in Ethics?

It asserts all cultures have equally valid moral perspectives. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one implication of asserting and accepting moral relativism?

It may lead to moral paralysis in decision-making. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of meta-ethics?

The objective nature of moral right and wrong (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which level of moral theory provides moral evaluations of specific actions?

Moral Judgements (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is at the heart of third-level moral standards?

All actions must treat persons as ends in themselves. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does psychological egoism propose about human motivations?

All actions are fundamentally motivated by self-interest. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an objection to ethical egoism?

It conflicts with the idea of universal moral laws. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the tolerance thesis in moral philosophy advocate?

Acknowledging diverse moral beliefs leads to moral relativism. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about the diversity thesis in ethics?

It proposes that morality is influenced by cultural contexts. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In normative ethical theories, which aspect is primarily evaluated?

The universal applicability of moral rules. (B) Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Moral Relativism

Darius questioned Greeks and Indians on their burial practices, showcasing cultural differences in beliefs about death and morality.
Moral relativism posits that moral truths depend on societal or individual consensus.
Diversity Thesis: Acknowledges that moral disagreements exist among people.
Relativism Thesis: Proposes that moral rightness or wrongness is determined relative to cultural or moral traditions.
Tolerance Thesis: Advocates for a tolerant attitude towards differing moral beliefs.

Evaluating the Truth of the Theses

Diversity Thesis: Disagreements in moral beliefs may stem from differing factual beliefs and circumstances rather than moral principles.
Relativism Thesis Critique: Mere disagreement does not validate moral claims as equally true; some beliefs may be false regardless of consensus (e.g., shape of the Earth).
Tolerance Thesis Limitations: Tolerance as a moral norm depends on cultural conventions; if a society prioritizes ethical imperialism, tolerance may be deemed morally wrong.

Structure of Moral Theories

Focus on the application of ethical principles to resolve concrete moral issues.
Applied ethics uses normative theories as foundational arguments in specific ethical dilemmas.
Meta-ethics investigates foundational questions about the nature of morality, such as the objectivity of moral truths and their relation to natural properties.

Levels of Moral Theory

First Level: Moral Judgements (MJ): Individual moral evaluations of specific actions (e.g., full-body scanners being right or wrong).
Second Level: Moral Principles (MP): Generalized evaluations of types or classes of actions (e.g., violations of personal privacy are wrong).
Third Level: Moral Standards (MS): Ultimate criteria for determining moral rightness or wrongness (e.g., actions that respect individuals as ends, not means).