What are the Two Forms of Ethical Relativism?
The two main forms of ethical relativism are cultural relativism and ethical subjectivism. In essence, ethical relativists contend that moral ideas are not universally binding but rather depend on societal norms or individual perspectives.
Ethical relativism is a meta-ethical position that suggests the truth or falsity of moral judgments is not absolute or universal, but is relative to the traditions, convictions, or practices of a group of persons or a particular individual. According to ethical relativists, moral ideas are fundamentally a matter of societal norms or personal opinion and are not universally binding upon others.
The Two Core Forms of Ethical Relativism
Ethical relativism branches into two primary forms, each offering a distinct perspective on the source of moral truth:
1. Cultural Relativism
Cultural relativism posits that moral principles are derived from and are dependent on the specific cultural context. This means that what is considered morally right or wrong can vary significantly from one society or culture to another, and there are no universal moral standards that apply to all cultures.
- Basis: Societal norms, traditions, and collective beliefs within a particular culture.
- Key Idea: Morality is a social construct.
- Example: The practice of certain rituals or traditions (e.g., specific dietary laws, clothing standards, or social etiquette) might be considered morally permissible or obligatory within one culture, while being deemed irrelevant or even wrong in another. For instance, whether it's polite to slurp soup might be seen differently across cultures.
2. Ethical Subjectivism
Ethical subjectivism, on the other hand, asserts that moral judgments are expressions of an individual's personal feelings, attitudes, or opinions. According to this view, there are no objective moral truths, and what is right or wrong is solely a matter of individual preference or belief.
- Basis: Personal opinion, individual feelings, and subjective preferences.
- Key Idea: Morality is a personal construct.
- Example: If one person states, "Stealing is wrong," an ethical subjectivist might interpret this as "I disapprove of stealing" or "I have a negative feeling towards stealing," rather than an objective truth about the act of stealing itself. Each individual's moral compass is unique to them.
Comparing the Forms
To further clarify the distinction, here's a table summarizing the core differences between cultural relativism and ethical subjectivism:
| Feature | Cultural Relativism | Ethical Subjectivism |
|---|---|---|
| Source of Morality | Society, Culture, Group Norms | Individual, Personal Feelings, Opinions |
| Scope | Morality is relative to a culture | Morality is relative to an individual |
| Binding Nature | Binding within a specific culture | Binding only for the individual |
| Core Belief | No universal moral truths across cultures | No objective moral truths at all |
Key Characteristics of Ethical Relativism
Regardless of its form, ethical relativism fundamentally implies:
- No Universal Moral Code: There are no moral principles that apply to all people at all times.
- Contextual Morality: Moral ideas are deeply embedded in and dependent on their specific context, whether it's a culture or an individual's psyche.
- Non-Binding Nature: Moral judgments are not inherently binding on those outside the specific culture or individual who holds them.
Understanding these two forms is crucial for comprehending the broader philosophical landscape of ethical thought. For a deeper dive into various ethical theories, you might explore resources on meta-ethics and normative ethics.
