Philosophy Normative Ethics Questions Long
Ethical subjectivism and ethical relativism are two distinct theories within the field of normative ethics that address the nature of ethical judgments and their objectivity. While both theories acknowledge the subjective nature of ethics, they differ in their understanding of the basis for ethical judgments and the scope of their application.
Ethical subjectivism posits that ethical judgments are ultimately grounded in individual subjectivity. According to this view, ethical statements express the personal attitudes, emotions, or preferences of the individual making the judgment. In other words, ethical claims are true or false relative to the individual's own beliefs or desires. For example, if someone says "stealing is wrong," they are expressing their personal disapproval of stealing based on their own subjective values. Ethical subjectivism emphasizes the importance of individual autonomy and personal freedom in determining what is morally right or wrong.
On the other hand, ethical relativism takes a broader perspective by asserting that ethical judgments are relative to cultural, societal, or historical contexts. This theory suggests that moral principles and values are not fixed or universal but vary across different cultures or societies. Ethical relativism recognizes that what is considered morally acceptable or unacceptable can differ from one culture to another. For instance, while some cultures may view polygamy as morally acceptable, others may consider it morally wrong. Ethical relativism emphasizes the importance of cultural diversity and the need to respect different moral frameworks.
The key distinction between ethical subjectivism and ethical relativism lies in the scope of their claims. Ethical subjectivism focuses on the individual's subjective beliefs and attitudes as the basis for ethical judgments, whereas ethical relativism extends this subjectivity to encompass cultural or societal norms. While subjectivism emphasizes personal autonomy, relativism emphasizes cultural diversity and the importance of understanding different moral perspectives.
It is important to note that both ethical subjectivism and ethical relativism have their critics. One common criticism is that they can lead to moral skepticism or the denial of any objective moral truths. Critics argue that without a foundation for objective moral standards, ethical subjectivism and relativism can undermine the possibility of moral progress or the ability to criticize morally abhorrent practices. Additionally, some argue that these theories can lead to moral relativism, where any action can be justified as morally right within a particular subjective or cultural framework.
In conclusion, ethical subjectivism and ethical relativism are two theories within normative ethics that acknowledge the subjective nature of ethical judgments. While subjectivism grounds ethical judgments in individual subjectivity, relativism extends this subjectivity to cultural or societal norms. Both theories have their strengths and weaknesses, and the debate between them continues to shape discussions in the field of normative ethics.