Ethical (Moral) Relativism
In America, many are comfortable describing ethics as follows: “Well, what’s right for me is right for me and what’s right for you is right for you. Let’s just agree to disagree.” This is an affirmation of what philosophers call individual or subjective moral relativism. In this understanding of relativism, morality is a matter of individual feelings and personal preference. In individual moral relativism, the determination of what is right and wrong in a situation varies according to the individual. Moral relativists do not believe in natural law or universal truths.
Cultural moral relativism puts culture at the forefront of relative ethical decision-making. It says the individual must include the precepts of his or her culture as a prominent part of the relativistic moral action.
Lawrence Kohlberg, a prominent psychologist known for recognizing moral stages of development, takes it a step farther saying cultural relativists are persons stuck in the “Conventional Stage” of ethical development.
please define individual moral relativism and cultural moral relativism in detail, noting how they differ from each other, their strengths and weaknesses, and give your position on Kohlberg’s stance on ethical relativism.
What aspects of ethical relativism do you identify and agree with? What aspects do you disagree with? Give a personal example that illustrates your stance on ethical relativism, describing how you made a moral decision in an ethical dilemma. Include at least two references to support your thoughts.
Post a 500-word paper. All written assignments and responses should follow proper citation rules for attributing sources. Please use Microsoft Word spelling/grammar checker. Be mindful of plagiarism policies.
Assignment 2 Grading Criteria Maximum Points
Significant critical analysis of individual ethical relativism, cultural ethical relativism, and Kohlberg’s position; including definitions, strengths, and weaknesses. 36
Described personal ethical stances on each form of relativism in relation to own personal ethical system, including whether and how personal ethical system is compatible or incompatible with relativism. 24
Used a personal example to illustrate and support stance on ethical relativism in relation to own ethical system. 16
Justified ideas and responses by using appropriate scholarly examples and at least two references from texts, Web sites, and other references. 4
Wrote in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrated ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; displayed accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation. 20
