Philosophy Applied Ethics Questions
Ethical relativism and ethical subjectivism are both theories within the field of ethics that address the nature of moral judgments and their objectivity. However, they differ in their understanding of the source and nature of moral values.
Ethical relativism posits that moral values are not universally objective but are instead relative to individual or cultural perspectives. According to this view, what is considered morally right or wrong varies from person to person or from culture to culture. Ethical relativism acknowledges the existence of diverse moral beliefs and practices and argues that there is no objective standard by which to judge them. It emphasizes the importance of cultural context and personal beliefs in shaping moral judgments.
On the other hand, ethical subjectivism asserts that moral values are subjective and dependent on individual attitudes and preferences. According to this view, moral judgments are based on personal feelings, emotions, or desires. Ethical subjectivism suggests that moral statements express the individual's subjective attitudes rather than objective facts about the world. It emphasizes the role of personal autonomy and individual perspectives in determining what is morally right or wrong.
In summary, while ethical relativism focuses on the cultural or societal relativity of moral values, ethical subjectivism emphasizes the subjective nature of moral judgments and their dependence on individual attitudes and preferences.