Subjective moral truth refers to moral claims whose validity hinges entirely on an individual's personal beliefs, feelings, or preferences. Unlike objective truths that exist independently, a subjective moral truth is true for the individual who holds that particular belief or feeling.
Understanding Subjective Moral Truth
As defined, subjective moral truths are those that depend on someone's beliefs, feelings, or preferences about the moral claim in question. This means that if an individual believes something is morally right or wrong, that belief establishes the truth of the moral claim for them. The morality of an action or statement is not universal but originates from within the person's internal state.
For example, if someone believes that eating meat is morally wrong because they feel it causes undue suffering, then "eating meat is wrong" is a subjective moral truth for that person. Another individual might have different feelings or beliefs, and for them, eating meat might not be morally wrong.
Subjectivism vs. Relativism
It's crucial to distinguish subjectivism from relativism, as the two are often confused. The provided reference clarifies this distinction: "Subjectivism is distinct from relativism, where relativism says that moral truths are true relative to a framework, either individual or cultural."
Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
| Feature | Subjectivism | Relativism |
|---|---|---|
| Basis of Truth | An individual's beliefs, feelings, or preferences | A framework (e.g., an individual's personal framework or a cultural framework) |
| Scope of Truth | True specifically for the individual | True within a specific framework (e.g., "right for this culture") |
| Origin | Internal, personal conviction | Can be internal (personal framework) or external (cultural norms) |
While individual relativism might seem similar to subjectivism because both relate to the individual, the core difference lies in whether the truth is tied to a framework (a consistent set of principles) or simply the immediate, often emotional, beliefs, feelings, or preferences. Subjectivism is about direct personal inclination, whereas relativism implies a more structured, albeit non-universal, standard.
Practical Implications
Recognizing subjective moral truth helps in understanding why moral disagreements can be so challenging to resolve.
- Diverse Perspectives: What one person considers morally reprehensible, another might view as acceptable, purely based on their personal feelings or beliefs.
- Challenges in Universal Morality: If moral truth is purely subjective, establishing universal ethical guidelines becomes difficult, as there's no objective standard to appeal to.
- Personal Responsibility: It places the locus of moral judgment firmly within the individual, highlighting the importance of personal reflection and consistency in one's own moral compass.
In essence, subjective moral truth underscores the personal and internal nature of morality for many individuals, where their inner world dictates what is right or wrong for them.
