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