Ethical Relativism: A Philosophical Exploration PDF

Ethical Relativism: A Philosophical Exploration In this topic, we will explore the concept of ethical relativism, a philosophical perspective that challenges the notion of universal moral principles. We will delve into the arguments for and against ethical relativism, examining its implicatio...

Ethical Relativism: A Philosophical Exploration In this topic, we will explore the concept of ethical relativism, a philosophical perspective that challenges the notion of universal moral principles. We will delve into the arguments for and against ethical relativism, examining its implications for understanding morality and its impact on our interactions with diverse cultures. SS 24: Ethics Benguet State University College of Social Sciences Department of Social Studies Definition of Terms: Ethics - the discipline that examines the moral standards of an individual or a society. Relativism - the belief that there's no absolute truth, only the truths that a particular individual or culture happens to believe. Ethical Relativism - the view which holds that all moral principles are valid relative to a particular society or individual. Relativistic Perspective: - The rightness or wrongness of an act depends on the moral norms of society or the moral inclinations of the individual, and no absolute standard exists by which differing rules or inclinations can be judged. - Ex. What is morally right for American society may be morally wrong in Philippine society. Ethical Relativism: A Definition Ethical relativism posits that moral principles are relative to a particular society or individual. This means that what is considered right or wrong varies depending on the cultural norms or personal beliefs of the individual. Ethical relativism stands in contrast to ethical objectivism, which asserts the existence of universal moral principles applicable to all people regardless of their cultural background.  Two Forms of Ethical Relativism 1. Individual Ethical Relativism/Ethical Subjectivism - Moral principles are based on individual beliefs and preferences. - The rightness or wrongness of an action lies in the individual’s own commitments. 2. Cultural Ethical Relativism/Ethical Conventionalism - Moral principles are determined by societal norms. - The rightness or wrongness of an action depends Individual Ethical Relativism: A Closer Look Individual ethical relativism asserts that the basis of morality lies solely within the individual's perspective. This view emphasizes the subjective nature of moral judgments, suggesting that they are merely expressions of personal attitudes, opinions, preferences, or feelings. While social and cultural factors may influence an individual's moral outlook, ultimately, the individual's personal standard determines what is right or wrong. “Suppose you heard a news of a policeman killing a suspected teenage drug user and were repulsed by such an act. Following individual ethical relativism, you cannot condemn the officer if his ethical belief is that it is permissible to kill people who have become dependent on illegal drugs to solve the drug problem in our society.”  Mahatma Ghandi Adolf Hitler “Man is the measure of all things.” - Protagoras Critics argue that treating moral judgments as subjective preferences undermines the very concept of morality, making interpersonal criticism and judgment impossible.  Cultural Ethical Relativism: The Social Nature of Morality Cultural ethical relativism, also known as ethical conventionalism, recognizes the social nature of morality. It rejects the existence of universal moral principles but asserts that valid moral principles are justified by their cultural acceptance. The rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by the cultural or social norms of the society in which it is performed and judged. “Thus, even if the person would personally believe that abortion may be done in case of rape or incest, the act may still be morally wrong if it does not conform with the social standards in which the act is done.” This view distinguishes itself from individual ethical relativism by grounding morality in social norms rather than individual beliefs. It provides an intersubjective basis for judging moral actions, addressing the criticisms leveled against ethical subjectivism.  3 Arguments in Favor of Cultural Ethical Relativism Cultural ethical relativism is supported by several arguments, including the Diversity Argument, the Dependency Argument, and the Toleration Argument. 1 Diversity Argument Moral beliefs and practices vary significantly across cultures, suggesting that morality is relative. 2 Dependency Moral beliefs are shaped by cultural norms, indicating Argument that morality is dependent on social context. Toleration 3 Recognizing cultural differences promotes tolerance and Argument understanding, fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse groups. 1. Diversity Argument -Muslim societies practice polygamy, while the Christians consider it wrong. -Some cultures accept homosexual union, while other cultures condemn it. -Abortion is permissible in some countries, but is not acceptable in other countries. “Eskimo customs allow infanticide which is condemnable to most cultures; they also leave old people who are too feeble to contribute to the family out in the snow to die. But to many anthropologists, there is nothing particularly surprising about the Eskimos.” - In the Philippines, Filipino women were not allowed to vote in national elections before, but today it is wrong to deny them of the right to suffrage. - In the United States, slavery is now viewed as immoral whereas just over a hundred years ago, it was not. - Societies over the world have greatly altered the moral views on various matters such as abortion, same-sex marriage, euthanasia, and sexuality as well. - For the relativists, the only adequate way to explain the differences of moral beliefs and practices across culture and across time is to accept that morality is relative. 2. Dependency Argument - Lies on the view that moral beliefs are true or valid only relative to certain groups - An individual's cultural norms, of which religious traditions are a part of, affect his/her views of right and wrong. - One's moral beliefs are basically products of his/her particular social environment. “Morality does not exist on a vacuum; rather, what is considered morally right or wrong must be seen in a context, depending on the goals, wants, beliefs, history, and environment of the society in question.” (Pojman, 1999, 29) - Eating dogs is part of the culture of the people of Sagada, widely practiced in the Cordillera region. However, other societies-even within the Philippines consider killing dogs as cruelty to animals and is, thus, morally wrong. - In most societies, killing cows is acceptable, but in India such act is a sacrilege. The meaning of the act is different, depending on the society Consequently, the relativist argues, the moral dimension of our actions is similarly dependent on cultural context for meaning. Morality is basically just the set of common rules, habits, and customs that have earned social approval over time. Every morality depends on a level of social acceptance. 3. Toleration Argument - Cultural ethical relativism is also justified by the view that acknowledging the differences among various societies in terms of their moral beliefs and practices leads to respect, social harmony, and peaceful co-existence among the different cultural, religious, and social groups. - Relativism may be the right way of looking at morality since it offers the promise of tolerance and understanding, attitudes that most of us value highly. - Anthropologists in the past would often refer to the peoples they studied as "barbarians or "primitive societies." But as time went on, the discipline made progress as it moved towards a more relativistic stance recognizing that societies different from one's own are not necessarily primitive or inferior. - Given the many forms of conflicts among various cultures, religions, and ideologies today that often result to violence and oppression, the tolerant, non-judgmental attitude of respecting and recognizing the validity of cultural beliefs other than one's own has become more relevant. “We shall arrive at a more realistic social faith, accepting as grounds of hope and as new bases for tolerance the coexisting and equally valid patterns of life which mankind has created for itself from the raw materials of existence,” (Benedict 1946, 257). 3 Challenges of Ethical Relativism Despite its appeal, ethical relativism faces significant challenges. Critics argue that the theory's premises do not logically support its conclusions, and that accepting ethical relativism has negative implications for moral judgment, progress, and the very nature of morality. 1. Illogical Flow 2. Negative 3. Universal Moral Implications Standards The diversity of moral Ethical relativism Despite cultural beliefs does not undermines moral differences, there may necessarily prove that criticism, progress, and be universal moral morality is relative. the ability to address standards based on harmful cultural shared human values. practices. 1. Illogical flow of the relativist argument - The problem in this line of reasoning is that even if the premise is true, the conclusion cannot be inferred to be true. Diversity of and disagreement in moral beliefs do not prove that morality is relative 2. Negative implications of accepting such theory - One implication of accepting ethical relativism is that it is senseless to criticize a particular cultural or social group's belief or practice however abhorrent or inhumane it is. - However, we know that we cannot turn a blind eye to such violent action and regard it as a matter of cultural difference that must just be accepted. 3. There are still universal moral standards that exist - Though people have different cultures, customs, traditions, religions, and ideologies, they still have something in common emanating from their shared humanity. - Respect for life, pursuit for truth and justice, desire for peace, to cite some, are values that all human persons would recognize and acknowledge as worth pursuing.  The Importance of Critical Examination While ethical relativism highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding, it is crucial to critically examine its limitations. We must recognize that cultural differences do not necessarily equate to moral relativism. It is essential to engage in critical reflection on our own moral beliefs and practices, recognizing that they are shaped by our cultural conditioning. - By engaging in open dialogue and respectful exchange of ideas, we can strive for a more nuanced understanding of morality, acknowledging both the diversity of cultural perspectives and the possibility of universal moral principles. “Ethical relativism presents a complex and challenging perspective on morality. While it encourages tolerance and understanding of cultural differences, it also faces significant criticisms regarding its logical foundation and potential negative implications.” Conclusion By engaging in critical reflection and open dialogue, we can navigate the complexities of ethical relativism and strive for a more informed and compassionate understanding of morality in a diverse world. REFERENCES: Evangelista, Francis Julius, Mabaquiao, Napoloen, Jr. Ethics: Theories and Applications. Anvil Publishing, Inc. Mandaluyong City, Philippines. 2020. Serrano, Fernando Martin, Placido, Dennis. Ethics: Modular Worktext for College Students. Wise Ideas Publishing Co. 2017