Ethical Relativism
An approach where morality isn’t fixed but will vary
Util and Situation ethics are considered relativist but aren’t truly relative as they are
based on absolutes
Nietzsche
“God is dead”
Religious absolutes have a negative impact on freedom and no longer relevant
Jesus promoted slave morality
Master morality- “dominate others”
“Superman”
Individual Relativism
Right and wrong can differ between individuals.
Those who support this agree that morality isn’t based on absolutes but on the
values held by an individual who has the autonomy to make their own decisions.
o Emotivism
Based on inner feelings or personal values.
Morality is subjective not objective according to this approach.
“All moral values are of equal value”
o Egoism
Each individual should behave in a way that promotes their self-
interest above others.
Hardin’s lifeboat argument.
Giving aid is futile, famine etc. should be allowed to reduce the
country’s population to a level it can manage.
Egoist generally doesn’t care about the destruction of the planet.
Cultural Relativism
Different cultures have different morals and beliefs
Cultural relativists can’t pass judgement on others
Most important strength is that tolerance and acceptance is promoted.
Mackie:
o Moral absolutes can’t exist - “argument of difference”
o Some cultures aren’t completely antinomian or void of moral standards
because they are different.
Rachels:
o All cultures have common values to function
o For example, respect for human life, educate and care for children.
Jenkins:
o Golden rule is universal and can be found in many religious writings of Jews,
Muslims etc.
An approach where morality isn’t fixed but will vary
Util and Situation ethics are considered relativist but aren’t truly relative as they are
based on absolutes
Nietzsche
“God is dead”
Religious absolutes have a negative impact on freedom and no longer relevant
Jesus promoted slave morality
Master morality- “dominate others”
“Superman”
Individual Relativism
Right and wrong can differ between individuals.
Those who support this agree that morality isn’t based on absolutes but on the
values held by an individual who has the autonomy to make their own decisions.
o Emotivism
Based on inner feelings or personal values.
Morality is subjective not objective according to this approach.
“All moral values are of equal value”
o Egoism
Each individual should behave in a way that promotes their self-
interest above others.
Hardin’s lifeboat argument.
Giving aid is futile, famine etc. should be allowed to reduce the
country’s population to a level it can manage.
Egoist generally doesn’t care about the destruction of the planet.
Cultural Relativism
Different cultures have different morals and beliefs
Cultural relativists can’t pass judgement on others
Most important strength is that tolerance and acceptance is promoted.
Mackie:
o Moral absolutes can’t exist - “argument of difference”
o Some cultures aren’t completely antinomian or void of moral standards
because they are different.
Rachels:
o All cultures have common values to function
o For example, respect for human life, educate and care for children.
Jenkins:
o Golden rule is universal and can be found in many religious writings of Jews,
Muslims etc.
