ETHICAL+RELATIVISM

=Ethical Relativism=

Basic Principles of the Theory -
Ethical relativism is defined as the idea that there is no true "right" or "wrong". Ethical relativists espouse the belief that each individual (or society, depending upon the type of relativism) creates a unique moral code. In addition, ethical relativism takes into account the historical context of morality. A belief in ethical relativism is often accompanied by the realization that morals are constantly changing based on time and space.

Proponents of ethical relativism cite the diversity of moral views; moral uncertainty; and situational differences as good reasons to embrace this theory. Conversely, opponents of ethical relativism (sometimes called objectivists or nonrelativists) argue that disagreement does not necessarily negate the presence of fact. They contend that many of our disagreements are factually- rather than morally-based.

Specifics of the Ethical Approach -
Ethical relativism takes on two main forms. The first is known as individual ethical relativism; also called subjective ethical relativism, this form of ethical relativism states that individuals determine what is right for them. Individuals decide, based on their own personal moral code, what they should or should not do. Since each person has his or her own moral code, no individual’s moral code is right or wrong, better or worse. There is no standard moral code, so no thought or action can be labeled as "good" or "bad".

Social or cultural ethical relativism (also known as conventional ethical relativism) states that moral code or moral beliefs come from society or culture. Cultural ethical relativism values the cultural majority viewpoint, and society determines what is morally right or wrong. Like individual ethical relativism, there is no cultural moral standard; therefore, no society or culture can judge another because the society would be using their own society’s moral beliefs, not the other culture’s moral code.

Historical Background -
Ethical relativism can be first seen around 350 B.C. by one of the Greek Philosophers, Plato. In his famous works, “The Republic” one of the main characters argues, by using the concept of justice, that all societies decide for themselves what justice means, and therefore determine their own version of what is right or wrong. This is an example of ethical relativism, however, it probably was not called it yet at this time.

David Hume, in the 18th century is another important figure in the clarification of relativism, as he often publicly denied any objective standard of right or wrong. In addition, Edward Westermarck, an anthropologist from Finland in the late 1800s and early 1900s was one of the first to create a detailed theory of ethical relativism, stating that all ideas of what is right or wrong are subjective, or based on someone’s or a particular culture’s point of view.

Two Examples -
An example of Individual Ethical Relativism would be the pro-life/pro-choice debate. Within a group of people, some will have the idea that abortion is okay for someone else while others in that same group will say that abortion is completely unethical. Within ethical relativism, both of these perspectives would be equally valid because ethics depend on the perspective of the individual.

On the other hand, social ethical relativism would examine ethics on a larger scale. A prominent example would be female genital surgeries in certain cultures. In the general American public, this is seen as horrific and completely immoral. In the cultures that practice this however, it is a normal rite of passage. Other cultures who do not practice female genital surgeries as part of their culture can not wrap their minds around it, but social mores determine what is the norm in a society.

References -
All About Philosophy. //Ethical relativism//. Retrieved February 24, 2009, from http://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/ethical-relativism-faq.htm

Mackinnon, B. (2007). //Ethics theory and contemporary issues//. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.

The Galilean Library. //Introducing philosophy 11: Ethics//. Retrieved March 4, 2009, from []