Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Introduce by defining Ethical Relativism
• Give Arguments in Favour of Ethical Relativism
• Delve into Arguments Against Ethical Relativism
• Conclude in a balanced manner.

Introduction

Ethical relativism is a philosophical theory that argues moral judgments are not absolute or universal, but rather relative to the norms and values of a particular culture or society.

• This perspective challenges the idea of objective moral principles that apply to everyone, everywhere.

Arguments For Ethical Relativism:

• Cultural Diversity and Respect: Different societies have developed their own unique cultural traditions, belief systems, and value systems over centuries of evolution.
  • Ethical relativism acknowledges and respects this diversity.
  • Example: The practice of polygamy, which is accepted in some cultures but condemned as immoral in others.
• Changing Moral Norms and Social Evolution: Moral values and ethical principles are not static; they evolve and change within societies over time, influenced by social, political, and technological developments.
  • Ethical relativism allows for this adaptation and evolution of moral norms based on changing social and cultural contexts.
  • Example: The gradual acceptance of same-sex relationships and LGBTQ+ rights,, which were previously condemned or criminalized.
• Avoiding Moral Imperialism: Ethical relativism prevents the imposition of one culture's moral values on another, promoting respect for cultural autonomy and self-determination.
  • It avoids the perception of moral imperialism or cultural hegemony, which can be seen as a form of oppression or neo-colonialism.
• Limits of Universal Principles: Ethical Relativism realizes that defining universal moral principles can be challenging. What constitutes "harm" or "respect" might differ across cultures.
  • Example: Capital punishment is considered barbaric in some cultures, but a form of justice in others.

Arguments Against Ethical Relativism:

• Cultural Practices vs. Universal Wrongs: Some cultural practices, like female genital mutilation or child marriage, violate basic human rights. Ethical relativism risks justifying harmful traditions.
• Overlooking Internal Dissent and Diversity: Ethical relativism may overlook or suppress dissenting voices and alternative perspectives within cultures, stifling individual freedom and moral agency.
  • Example: Feminist movements challenging traditional cultural norms and advocating for social change within their societies.
• Moral Nihilism and Ethical Subjectivism: Taken to an extreme, ethical relativism can lead to moral nihilism, where no objective moral truths or principles are recognized, and ethical decisions become purely subjective and arbitrary.
  • Example: Individuals or groups justifying harmful or unethical actions based solely on their personal beliefs or cultural preferences, without any objective moral foundation.
• Moral Inconsistency and Hypocrisy: Cultures or societies may selectively apply relativistic principles, accepting certain universal moral standards while rejecting others based on cultural convenience or self-interest.
  • Example: A society that condemns certain human rights violations but tolerates others, such as discrimination against minority groups, based on cultural traditions or political expediency.
• Lack of Moral Accountability: Ethical relativism can undermine moral accountability and make it difficult to hold individuals or societies responsible for unethical actions.
  • Example: Leaders or governments justifying atrocities or oppression by claiming they are consistent with their cultural values, without being held accountable to universal moral standards.

Conclusion

Ethical relativism compels us to be mindful of cultural contexts. Yet, a commitment to core moral values remains crucial. Navigating this complex terrain requires a thoughtful approach that respects cultural diversity while upholding universal ethical principles