Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Start with a brief introduction to Moral relativism and moral universalism.
• Mention the differences between Moral Relativism and Moral Universalism. Also, discuss how they affect one’s ethical judgments and actions.
• You can conclude the answer by reiterating the importance of understanding these ethical concepts in making informed and thoughtful ethical decisions.

Introduction

Moral relativism and moral universalism are two contrasting approaches to ethics that address the question of whether moral principles are relative to culture, society, or individual perspectives or if they are universal and apply to all people, regardless of their cultural or individual differences.

Body

Differences between Moral relativism and moral universalism:

Moral Relativism: Moral relativism posits that moral principles are not absolute and universal, but rather, they are context-dependent and can vary from one culture, society, or individual to another.

• Cultural and Individual Variability: According to moral relativism, what is considered morally right or wrong can differ significantly across different cultures and individuals. There are no objective, overarching moral standards.
• Subjectivity: Moral judgments are viewed as a matter of personal or cultural preference. What is considered morally right or wrong is determined by the beliefs, values, and norms of a particular society or individual.

Moral Universalism: Moral universalism asserts that there are objective and universal moral principles that apply to all human beings, regardless of their cultural, societal, or individual differences.

• Objective Moral Standards: Universalists believe that certain moral principles, such as the prohibition of murder or respect for human dignity, are true and binding in all circumstances.
• Ethical Consistency: Moral universalism promotes ethical consistency and the idea that there are ethical truths that are not subject to cultural relativism.

They affect one’s ethical judgments and actions in the following manner:

• Moral Relativism: Moral relativism can lead to a more tolerant and accepting stance towards diverse cultural and individual beliefs and practices. It may reduce the inclination to make absolute moral judgments and may encourage open-mindedness and cultural sensitivity.
• Moral Universalism: Moral universalism often leads to a more absolute and categorical approach to ethics. It encourages individuals to apply consistent moral principles regardless of cultural or situational variations. This may promote a sense of moral duty and responsibility towards upholding universal moral values.

Conclusion

The choice between moral relativism and moral universalism in ethical judgments and actions depends on one's personal beliefs, cultural background, and the specific circumstances they encounter. Striking a balance between recognizing diversity and upholding fundamental ethical principles is often a complex and ongoing ethical challenge.