Student L P

When examining the concepts of ethic and morality- two philosophical theories initially come to mind: relativism and absolutism. When studying these theories, it is essential to not only examine their differences on an ideological level (being, relative or absolute), but also on a foundational level. Where do these beliefs rest the basis for their claims and how are their conclusions logically drawn?

To begin, we must establish the concepts of both relativism and absolutism. According to the Moral Reasoning text, ethical relativism concludes that ideals of what’s considered right and wrong vary from one person or group to another[1]. Likewise, cultural relativism theory states that right and wrong are dependent on a culture itself and consequentially, vary from one culture to another[2]. For an example theoretically consistent- the practice of slavery might be considered permissible to an individual or group but abhorrent to another individual or group.

Admittedly, relativism has observable truths seen around the world- as well as some detrimental weaknesses when compared to absolutism. The concept of relativism is easily observable in the sense that many cultures, nations, and individuals indeed have varying frameworks for moral judgments and ideals[3]. Unfortunately, relativism relies heavily on the moral judgments (opinions) of individuals and groups and lends no thought to the true basis of actual principles themselves- determining if beliefs of people are in fact right or wrong and where they are founded. This comes into play when discussing a topic such as mentioned above, slavery, where there can be foundational disagreements concerning ethics. In a situation such as this, relativism remains stuck in circular argument when disagreements arise between people- as according to theory there is no true basis for right or wrong. In this case, nor any basis for human value other than the subjective, inconsistent, and sometimes contradicting constructs relied upon. Essentially, this position falls apart when faced with disagreement. Additionally, the mere presence of relativism itself doesn't effectively conclude the absence of moral absolutes, nor does the theory attempt to prove absolutes to be[4].

On the other hand, the absolutism theory proposes that there are both existing and universal moral principles separate from human opinion- proving that various forms of relativism ‘creating’ ethics are misleading and false[5]. Therefore, if relativism cannot prove the lack of moral absolutes- they have a possibility of existing and if so, apply to every single person, no matter their cultural heritage (in reference to cultural relativism) or personal opinions/thoughts (in reference to ethical relativism)[6]. While not a perfect theory, the logic of absolutism can hold fast in an argument and aptly examines the foundations of moral principles whereas relativism cannot and does not attempt to do so. One common example of theistic absolutism is Christianity which believes in moral absolutes available for all people to understand through the basis of general revelation by God[7]. Further examination of both Christian theistic absolutism and ethical relativism reveals differences through examples of the basis of the concept of goodness and finally, how people access, or create this set of appropriate moral judgments. Christian theistic absolutism emphasizes that the foundations for ethics are from God alone, as well as the concepts of goodness and badness[8]. Unfortunately, the theory of relativism claims no founding basis to goodness other than ‘goodness without God’- a circular and baseless argument[9]. Similarly, ethic in a Christian setting has a source- God, who makes His will know to all people (general revelation), whereas relativism rests in the knowledge of ethics but cannot logically explain where these concepts come from[10]

Bibliography

[1] Jones, Michael Scott. Moral Reasoning: An Intentional Approach to Distinguishing Right from Wrong. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt, 2017.

 McQuilkin, J. Robertson, and Paul Copan. An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, an imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2014.