Ethical Relativism summary

Ethical Relativism
 An approach where morality isn’t fixed but will vary
 Util and Situation ethics are considered relativist but aren’t truly relative as they are
based on absolutes

Nietzsche
 “God is dead”
 Religious absolutes have a negative impact on freedom and no longer relevant
 Jesus promoted slave morality
 Master morality- “dominate others”
 “Superman”

Individual Relativism
 Right and wrong can differ between individuals.
 Those who support this agree that morality isn’t based on absolutes but on the
values held by an individual who has the autonomy to make their own decisions.
o Emotivism
 Based on inner feelings or personal values.
 Morality is subjective not objective according to this approach.
 “All moral values are of equal value”
o Egoism
 Each individual should behave in a way that promotes their self-
interest above others.
 Hardin’s lifeboat argument.
 Giving aid is futile, famine etc. should be allowed to reduce the
country’s population to a level it can manage.
 Egoist generally doesn’t care about the destruction of the planet.

Cultural Relativism
 Different cultures have different morals and beliefs
 Cultural relativists can’t pass judgement on others
 Most important strength is that tolerance and acceptance is promoted.
 Mackie:
o Moral absolutes can’t exist - “argument of difference”
o Some cultures aren’t completely antinomian or void of moral standards
because they are different.
 Rachels:
o All cultures have common values to function
o For example, respect for human life, educate and care for children.
 Jenkins:
o Golden rule is universal and can be found in many religious writings of Jews,
Muslims etc.