Moral Relativism

Question 1

Moral Relativism

arguments for relativism

Answer 1

1. Tolerance Argument (respect all moral views)
2. Diversity Argument (people/cultures differ in moral beliefs)
3. Demonstrability Argument (different situations make different moral demands)
4. Divine Authority Argument (not all moral beliefs stem from religion)

Question 2

Moral Relativism

arguments against relativism

Answer 2

1. Tolerance Argument (no moral absolutes exist; beliefs can be wrong)
2. Diversity Argument (personal beliefs treated as opinions; different cultures have different beliefs)
3. Demonstrability Argument (implies no/multiple morally correct answer[s])
4. Divine Authority Argument (debates God’s existence)

Question 3

Moral Relativism

moral conventionalism

Answer 3

many “local” moral standards derive validity from acceptance within a particular cultural group

Question 4

Moral Relativism

cultural relativism

Answer 4

If people have freedom, then they will express different moral views

Question 5

Moral Relativism

moral subjectivism

Answer 5

everyone has unique moral standards; validity derives from an individual’s acceptance

Question 6

Moral Relativism

individual relativism

Answer 6

moral truths are only true in relation to individuals

some may not consider it a moral truth

Question 7

Moral Relativism

higher/lower/token absolutism

Answer 7

1. higher order: moral absolutes are universal
2. lower order: moral absolutes are every day rules
3. token: moral rules are only rules of thumb

Question 8

Moral Relativism

situational relativism

Answer 8

lower order moral rules are true only in relation to situations