Relativism, Absolutism, and Universalism

Summary

This course delves into ethical theories, focusing on relativism, absolutism, and universalism. Ethical relativism posits that morality varies across cultures and individuals, with no universal moral laws. Anthropological studies support this by revealing few universals in cultural values. Absolutism counters, asserting that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of cultural norms. Universalism extends this by claiming moral principles apply equally to all people, at all times. The video explores the implications of these theories on societal norms and individual actions, questioning the necessity of conforming to cultural standards in a relativistic view.

Takeaways

• 📖 Ethical relativism states that what is good or bad varies depending on individuals or cultures, with no universal moral absolutes.
• 🌍 Relativists believe morality is shaped by cultural norms and individual beliefs, rather than fixed, objective principles.
• 🧐 Anthropologists have observed that few moral universals exist across different societies, leading to the rise of cultural relativism.
• 🤝 Cultural relativism defines what is good as that which contributes to the health and survival of a society.
• 📊 Cultural relativists argue that each society has its own definitions of right and wrong, without universal moral standards.
• ⚖️ Moral relativism's main critique is that if there are no universal norms, it’s unclear why individuals must conform to their culture's moral standards.
• ❌ Absolutism, in contrast, holds that if something is wrong, it is always wrong, regardless of cultural beliefs or norms.
• 🗣 Absolutists argue that cultural norms do not determine morality, and there are absolute rights and wrongs, independent of society.
• 🔄 Relativism allows for diverse rules and moral judgments across cultures, with proponents arguing that it promotes tolerance.
• 🌐 Universalism asserts that certain moral principles, such as right and wrong, apply to all people at all times, removing subjective discretion.

Q & A

What is ethical relativism?

Ethical relativism is the position that what is considered good or bad varies depending on the individual or group, and that there are no universal moral absolutes. It holds that what is right is determined by cultural norms and individual beliefs.

How does anthropology contribute to the understanding of moral relativism?

Anthropology contributes to the understanding of moral relativism by studying different societies, both past and present, and observing that there are very few universal moral standards across cultures. This supports the idea that moral values are culturally relative.

What is the definition of 'good' according to cultural relativism?

In cultural relativism, 'good' is defined as that which contributes to the health and survival of a society. It recognizes that different cultures have different definitions of right and wrong.

How do moral relativists view the existence of absolute definitions of right and wrong?

Moral relativists argue that there are no fundamental or absolute definitions of right and wrong, as these are subjective and dependent on cultural and individual contexts.

What is absolutism in the context of ethics?

Absolutism is the position that certain actions are always right or wrong, regardless of cultural norms or individual beliefs. It is in opposition to cultural relativism and asserts the existence of universal moral standards.

How does absolutism differ from cultural relativism?

Absolutism differs from cultural relativism by asserting that there are absolute rights and wrongs, which are not determined by cultural norms. It argues that cultural norms endorsing certain actions do not make those actions morally right.

What is the flaw identified in the relativist approach according to the script?

The flaw identified in the relativist approach is that if there are no universal norms, it is unclear why individuals should be required to conform to societal or cultural norms, as their actions might be accepted in the future or by a different society.

What does relativism allow for in terms of rules and judgments?

Relativism allows for different rules and judgments about what is considered good, as it promotes the idea that moral values are subjective and can vary across different societies and individuals.

How do proponents of relativism argue it promotes tolerance?

Proponents of relativism argue that it promotes tolerance by acknowledging and accepting the diversity of moral values across cultures and individuals, thus encouraging respect for different perspectives.

What is the main argument of universalism in ethics?

Universalism in ethics posits that certain actions are wrong for all people at all times. It argues against subjective moral discretion, suggesting that without moral absolutes, egoistic and nationalistic rationalizations can occur.

How does universalism differ from relativism in terms of moral judgments?

Universalism differs from relativism by asserting that there are universal moral standards that apply to everyone, regardless of cultural or individual differences, whereas relativism holds that moral judgments are subjective and vary by culture and individual.