Moral Absolutism & Relativism

MORAL ABSOLUTISM
1. Values/principles are regarded as universally valid - apply to all situations.
  1. Doesn't consider the circumstances/consequences.
2. RELIGIOUS ABSOLUTISM
  1. Many have absolutist positions seen as 'perfect' and unchanging' e.g TEN COMMANDMENTS.
  2. Many Christians believe in a hierarchy of absolutes (graded absolutism) - duty to God first, then others, then property.
3. STRENGTHS
  1. Provides a fixed ethical code by which to measure actions.
  2. Can support universal laws - gives us rules to follow.
    1. Ultimately less violence/conflict.
  3. Protects human rights, values sanctity of life.
4. WEAKNESSES
  1. Doesn't consider the situation/consequences/feelings involved.
    1. Not compassionate
  2. Takes away all elements of personal decision making.
5. DEONTOLOGICAL
MORAL RELATIVISM
1. No universally valid moral principles - not 'one true' morality.
  1. Circumstances are considered before reaching a judgement about what is right/wrong.
2. TELEOLOGICAL
3. CULTURAL RELATIVISM
  1. Different cultures have different moral codes.
    1. DIVERSITY THEIS
      1. Diversity across cultures means there can't be 'one true' morality.
  2. DESCRIPTIVE RELATIVISM
    1. Different cultures have different ethical systems so morality is relative.
4. STRENGTHS
  1. Considers the situation and looks at consequences.
  2. Promotes tolerance.
  3. Allows progression.
5. WEAKNESSES
  1. Can justify any action.
  2. Some statements are arguably true absolutely e.g. 'it is wrong to torture innocent people'.
  3. May imply that there can't be any real criticism of events such as the Holocaust.
6. REASONS FOR RELATIVISM
  1. Decline of religious authority.
  2. Greater understanding of other cultures.

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Moral Absolutism & Relativism

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	Created by jenny_allen over 11 years ago