Moral Absolutism and Moral Relativism

What is Moral Absolutism?

We are subject to absolute standards of conduct that does not change with circumstance, there is only one correct answer to every moral problem. It links with deontological ethics.

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What is Moral Relativism?

There are no universally valid moral principles and so there is no one true morality. This links with Teleological Ethics. Those who are relativists do not care about what extremes they go to aslong as they get the desired outcome.

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What is one strength and a counter argument for Moral Absolutism.

It enables us to live in a multi faith society as we share the same values>Muslims/Catholics follow "Thou shall not kill" / Interfaith marriage/ Religious groups may try to convert you because they believe there is only one real religion.

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Another strength and a counter argument for Moral Absolutism

Appears to mean that one culture can judge another without reference to diversity / We shouldn't judge other cultures because we would not like to be judged > golden rule

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What is one weakness and a counter argument for Moral Absolutism

It puts rules before people>if a woman was ***** by a family member and she had little money, she would be forced to keep the baby / She can look at alternative methods > food banks/adoption/ask family members for money

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Another weakness and a counter argument for Moral Absolutism

Does not necessarily make society a safer place because some rules are difficult to follow in desperate circumstances> "Thou shall not steal". / Rules are to be followed by everyone meaning everyone gets equal treatment/ordered society/freedom=chaos

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What is one strength and a counter argument for Moral Relativism

Relativists believe in respect for others, before making a decision, they consider the circumstance/situation>****. / It can be time consuming to assess the situation, rules are quick and simple to follow.

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Another strength and a counter argument for Moral Relativism

Makes moral decisions easier because there are no rules to follow and you could disagree with some rules. / Rules apply to everyone, therefore people would not get in as much trouble because they know there is a straight consequence.

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What is one weakness and a counter argument for Moral Relativism

People need rules sometimes in order to act accordingly, otherwise the world would be chaotic. / Some people may disagree with some of the rules layed out and that in itself causes chaos because they will not want to follow them.

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Another weakness and a counter argument for Moral Relativism

It can be difficult to apply relativist theories to situations because there are no rules to follow. / It allows you to consider the circumstance and situation and it puts people before rules.

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Moral Absolutism and Moral Relativism

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