MORAL RELATIVISM

 

What is moral relativism?

Moral relativism is the philosophical theory that morality has no absolute or objective standards, but varies between individuals, communities and cultures and changes from time to time.  It is the notion that moral judgement is not based on universal moral truths, but rather that it is dependent on the social norms that we happen to have.  Different societies with different traditions, convictions, or practices will arrive at different moral conclusions.

What are the ramifications?

If moral relativism is correct, there will be at least 5 consequences:

(1)  No community can judge another in any meaningful way.  Attempting to do so will be interpreted as cultural arrogance.  The only viable option is to adopt an attitude of tolerance towards the cultural practices of others.  No one can afford to speak plainly or truthfully, so all references to differences are to be couched in euphemistic and politically-correct language to avoid causing offense.  Such a delicate and hair-trigger situation can be very fragile and can easily spark inter-communal riots with the slightest excuse. This is, in fact, the situation in many multicultural societies today.

(2)  No real understanding or interaction between cultures can take place.  As the cultural assumptions of one community cannot be questioned or examined by another, there is no opportunity for unfettered dialogue or mutual influence between societies.  Co-operation between them will be more difficult and conflicts will become more likely.

(3)  The rightness or wrongness of any action can only be determined by consulting the code of practice of that community in which the said action took place.  One cannot use his or her own mental and intellectual capacity to form moral judgements independently.

(4)  If a community was to intuitively judge another community's actions as cruel, unethical or harmful using the former's code of practice, it will have no justification for taking any action.  As a result, such cruel, unethical or harmful practices may continue unabated with the possibility of even more extreme acts committed in the future. 

(5)  No human moral progress will be possible. As all cultural practices and moral beliefs are considered to be equally valid, there will be no incentive to re-examine or improve upon one's own values. 


What are the classic objections to moral relativism?


(1)  It is illogical.  Moral relativism holds that "all beliefs are equally valid."  If one belief system holds itself to be the only valid one, that belief system's proclaimed exclusive validity must also be valid.  But, that would be contradictory!  If "all moral beliefs are relative", then that statement is itself relative, not absolute.  So, are moral beliefs relative or absolute??

(2)  It is subject to the problem of negation.  If everyone with differing opinions is right, no one would be wrong.  But, if it is impossible to be wrong, then 'being right' has no meaning.  All beliefs are then equally worthless!

(3)  If the truth of moral beliefs is determined by individual or group decision, then the distinction between truth and belief disappears.

A practical solution

If we disregard all theoretical considerations and philosophical reasoning, we can put forward this practical solution, which I'll call Daniel's Practical Disproof of Moral Relativism.

Suppose I put up 12 irrefutably universal moral statements that no sane human can dispute, would I have proven that moral relativism is both empty and wrong?  The statements are as follows:

(1)  We should do good and not do bad.
(2)  We should seek justice.
(3)  Truth is preferable to falsehood.
(4)  Kindness is to be desired.
(5)  Courtesy is to be encouraged.
(6)  We should care for our children.
(7)  We should respect our elders.
(8)  We should be generous towards others.
(9)  Stealing from others is wrong.
(10) Murder is wrong.
(11) We should keep our promises.
(12) We should help those in need.

Conclusion

If at least 12 statements (above) can have universal appeal to our common moral sense, it is quite possible that there are indeed absolute human moral values - values that make us human!