What is Moral Relativism?
Moral relativism is a philosophical standpoint that explores the concept of ethical diversity across cultures and individuals. It is a controversial topic that has been widely discussed by philosophers and non-philosophers alike. The term ‘moral relativism’ is often associated with the idea that moral judgments are not absolute, but relative to the moral standards of a person or group. This standpoint raises questions about the objectivity of moral truth and the possibility of resolving moral disagreements.
Historical Background
Moral relativism has ancient origins, with traces of the concept found in the classical Greek world. In this context, moral diversity was recognized, but the prevailing response was moral skepticism rather than moral relativism. However, the modern concern with moral relativism gained momentum with the growing awareness of cultural diversity, especially between Western and non-Western cultures.
This increased awareness was fueled by anthropological studies that challenged the assumption of Western moral superiority. Notable anthropologists such as Franz Boas and Ruth Benedict played a significant role in articulating influential forms of moral relativism in the early 20th century.
The classical Greek world serves as an early example of moral diversity and philosophical contemplation on the subject. Understanding its historical origins is crucial in comprehending the broader context of moral relativism. Cultural anthropology and the exploration of ancient roots help shed light on the complexity and evolution of this philosophical standpoint.
Forms and Arguments
Moral relativism encompasses various forms, each offering unique perspectives on the nature of morality. These forms include descriptive moral relativism, metaethical moral relativism, and normative moral relativism, which contribute to ongoing debates in philosophy.
Descriptive Moral Relativism
Descriptive moral relativism, also known as cultural relativism, emphasizes the influence of cultural factors on moral standards. It recognizes that moral judgments are shaped by specific cultural contexts and vary among different societies. This form of moral relativism highlights the existence of widespread moral disagreements across cultures. As Ruth Benedict once stated, “The purpose of morality is to ensure that within a culture, individuals act in ways that are consistent with the values and norms of that culture.”
Metaethical Moral Relativism
Metaethical moral relativism challenges the notion of objective moral truths. It proposes that the truth or justification of moral judgments is relative to the traditions, beliefs, and convictions of a particular group of people. According to this perspective, moral judgments lack universal validity and are instead influenced by subjective factors. As Gilbert Harman argues, “Moral judgments are not objective statements of fact but rather expressions of personal or cultural attitudes.”
Normative Moral Relativism
Normative moral relativism suggests that societies should accept the moral values and practices of other cultures. This form of relativism is based on the premise that there are no universal moral principles that can be used to judge or criticize other cultures. It advocates for cultural tolerance, understanding, and respect. As David Wong argues, “Normative moral relativism encourages societies to recognize and appreciate the diversity of moral values without imposing their own values on others.”
These different forms of moral relativism shed light on the complex nature of moral judgments and the challenges involved in determining a universally valid moral framework. They offer contrasting perspectives that contribute to the ongoing discourse on morality and ethics.
Experimental Philosophy
The empirical thesis of moral relativism suggests that there are deep and widespread moral disagreements. This aspect of moral relativism has caught the attention of experimental philosophers who delve into people’s intuitions and attitudes towards moral relativism. Through their research, experimental philosophers like Gilbert Harman and Jesse J. Prinz have contributed significantly to the ongoing discussion on moral relativism by examining empirical evidence. Their work sheds light on the variability of individuals’ beliefs and the challenges involved in establishing universal moral standards.
Experimental philosophy provides valuable insights into the complexities of moral relativism by exploring real-world scenarios and people’s moral intuitions. The use of empirical data adds a pragmatic dimension to the philosophical debate, grounding it in concrete observations and experiences.
Through experimental philosophy, researchers can gather data on moral judgments and values across different cultural contexts, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of moral relativism. This interdisciplinary approach bridges the gap between theoretical philosophical discourse and practical observations, offering a more nuanced perspective on moral relativism.
Descriptive Moral Relativism
Descriptive moral relativism, also known as cultural relativism, acknowledges the existence of moral diversity across different societies. It recognizes that moral standards are culturally defined and vary widely when evaluating moral judgments. While some values may be nearly universal, such as honesty and respect, significant differences are observed when comparing moral standards around the world. This form of moral relativism highlights the complexity of cross-cultural moral evaluation.
Moral Diversity and Cultural Relativism
When examining moral standards from a cross-cultural perspective, it becomes evident that there is a wide range of beliefs and practices. Cultural relativism takes into account the influence of culture on these moral standards, emphasizing that what may be considered morally acceptable in one society may not be in another. This recognition of moral diversity challenges the notion of universal moral standards and encourages us to approach ethical evaluations with an open mind.
Challenges in Cross-Cultural Evaluation
Cross-cultural moral evaluation is a complex process that requires sensitivity and understanding. It involves navigating the diverse range of cultural norms and values that shape moral standards. Evaluating moral judgments across cultures can be challenging due to differing perspectives on what constitutes right and wrong. It requires an appreciation for the unique ethical frameworks that exist and an awareness of the limitations of our own cultural biases.
Are Moral Disagreements Rationally Resolvable?
One of the central debates surrounding moral relativism is whether moral disagreements are rationally resolvable. Metaethical relativists argue that fundamental moral disagreements cannot be resolved through rational means. They contend that moral judgments lack absolute truth or justification and are instead relative to the perspectives of different individuals or cultures. This perspective challenges the notion of a universally valid moral standard and raises questions about the possibility of finding rational common ground in moral discussions.
Metaethical Moral Relativism
Metaethical moral relativism delves into the truth or justification of moral judgments. It challenges the claims put forth by moral objectivists, who assert the existence of universal moral principles. According to metaethical moral relativism, moral judgments are not absolute or universally applicable but are instead contingent upon the traditions and convictions of specific groups of people. This perspective raises thought-provoking questions about the objectivity and legitimacy of moral claims.
Metaethical moral relativism acknowledges that moral judgments can possess moral authority or normative force, albeit in a relative sense. It recognizes that while different cultures and individuals may have divergent moral beliefs, these beliefs can still hold significance within their respective contexts. This relativistic approach to morality opens up a rich field of study and contemplation, highlighting the intricate nature of moral reasoning and discourse.
Mixed Positions: A Rapprochement between Relativists and Objectivists?
Despite the apparent dichotomy between moral relativists and moral objectivists, there exist mixed positions that seek to bridge the gap between the two. These positions recognize the validity of certain aspects of both relativism and objectivism. They acknowledge the existence of moral standards that are relative to a particular culture or group while also allowing for some universal moral principles. This attempt at reconciliation between relativists and objectivists offers a nuanced perspective that considers the complexities of moral reasoning.
Relativism and Tolerance
The relationship between relativism and tolerance is a significant aspect of the moral relativism debate. Cultural relativism, a form of moral relativism, argues that societies should accept the differing moral values of others based on the absence of universal moral principles. This perspective promotes tolerance by encouraging understanding and respect for cultural diversity.
However, critics argue that relativism can lead to a problematic acceptance of obvious moral wrongs and undermine the possibility of critical moral appraisal.
“Relativism can sometimes blur the line between tolerance and moral indifference, leaving no grounds for condemning certain practices that clearly violate basic human rights.”
The tension between relativism and tolerance continues to be a topic of discussion and critique.
Bibliography
Moral relativism, as a complex philosophical concept, has been extensively explored in various scholarly works and disciplines. A comprehensive understanding of this topic can be gained by delving into a range of philosophical literature and empirical evidence. The following bibliography provides a compilation of key texts and studies that contribute to the exploration of moral relativism.
1. Mackie, J. L. (1977). Ethics: Inventing Right and Wrong. This seminal work delves into the foundations of moral relativism, questioning the existence of objective moral truths and examining the implications of ethical subjectivity.
2. Benedict, Ruth. (1934). Patterns of Culture. In this influential anthropological study, Benedict argues for the existence of diverse cultural moralities and challenges the notion of Western moral superiority, providing empirical evidence for moral relativism.
3. Harman, Gilbert. (1996). “The Collapse of Morality: Philosophical Foundations of Peter Singer’s Ethical Relativism.” Journal of Philosophy. This article critically explores the challenges and implications of moral relativism through a philosophical lens, engaging with the views of prominent ethical relativist Peter Singer.
4. Nisbett, Richard E., and Aronson, Elliot. (2011). The Geography of Thought: How Asians and Westerners Think Differently…and Why. Drawing on psychological and anthropological research, this book investigates the cognitive and cultural aspects of moral diversity, shedding light on the interplay between culture and moral relativism.
These texts and studies offer valuable insights and perspectives on moral relativism, providing a foundation for further research and exploration. As the field continues to evolve, it is essential to engage with these diverse works in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of this complex and thought-provoking philosophical concept.
