Ethical Relativism Summary Submit your one page double spaced summary here. This assignment requires you to write a one page double spaced summary essay based on the presentation you just attended. A summary is an essay the restates, in your own word, what you understood of the presentation. Each summary is worth 5% of your final grade.
Ethical relativism is a theory that asserts that ethical principles and moral values differ from person to person and culture to culture. It posits that there is no universal standard of morality, and that what is deemed right or wrong is subjective and dependent on individual or cultural beliefs.
In the presentation on ethical relativism, several key points were discussed. Firstly, the concept of cultural relativism was introduced, which suggests that moral values and ethical principles are shaped by the culture in which an individual or society is immersed. This means that what may be considered morally acceptable in one culture may be perceived as morally wrong in another. For example, the practice of polygamy is widely accepted in some cultures, while it is unacceptable in others.
Furthermore, the presentation highlighted the distinction between individual relativism and cultural relativism. Individual relativism refers to the belief that ethical principles vary among individuals and that each person has their own moral code. On the other hand, cultural relativism emphasizes the role of culture in shaping moral values, suggesting that what is deemed morally right or wrong is determined by the cultural context.
The presentation also explored the potential implications and criticisms of ethical relativism. One implication is that moral diversity should be respected and tolerated, as different cultures may have different ethical standards. This challenges the notion of a universal moral truth and promotes cultural diversity. However, critics argue that ethical relativism may lead to moral skepticism, where no ethical judgments can be made and all actions are equally valid. Furthermore, they suggest that ethical relativism may undermine the idea of moral progress, as it implies that there is no objective standard by which to assess moral development.
Additionally, the presentation touched upon the role of ethical relativism in moral decision-making. Ethical relativism suggests that individuals should consider cultural norms and values when making ethical judgments. This entails understanding and respecting the perspectives and beliefs of others, even if they differ from one’s own. However, it raises the question of how to resolve ethical conflicts that arise when different cultures have conflicting moral values. The presentation did not provide a definitive answer to this question, but it emphasized the importance of dialogue and understanding in addressing such conflicts.
In conclusion, the presentation on ethical relativism discussed the theory that ethical principles and moral values are subjective and vary among individuals and cultures. It introduced the concepts of cultural relativism and individual relativism, highlighting the role of culture in shaping moral values. It also explored potential implications and criticisms of ethical relativism, including the promotion of cultural diversity and the challenge to the idea of universal moral truth. Finally, it touched upon the role of ethical relativism in moral decision-making, emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding in resolving ethical conflicts. In summary, ethical relativism provides a framework for understanding and navigating the complexities of moral diversity in our global society.