Challenges to the Relativist Position
What are the challenges to the relativist position? Which one resonates with you most and why?
The challenges one faces when supporting the relativist position are complex and variable, as there is no fine line that is applicable to all situations as a whole. The reasoning behind this is due to different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, which often represent different morals, values, ethics, and belief systems. All of those attribute and further point to the subjectivity and controversial dilemmas faced by one who carries out the relativist position. As we have been educated to accept that in ethical relativism that there is no universal or absolute rules, therefore the consequences of one’s actions are not exactly identified and remain somewhat unknown. Let’s look at the view where there is the aspect of truth in ethics, but still is relative based upon the multiple moral factors that are present in the same scenario, which can have two completely different sets of consequences placed upon them, as each groups morality has there underlying claims. Given this example, there would be no moral infrastructure to resolve or come to an agreement upon, with those from different societies. One of the arguments of relativism is that some moral beliefs are culturally driven to be relative, as where others are not. For example, those in relation to one’s customs of dressing attire and decency. Another, would be China’s one-child policy, and how it contributes to the murder and abandonment of many children if the desired sex has not been satisfied. In our society they would be condemned, even so the principle of the underlying morality of the situation may be understood by society-due to the overwhelming population that they have. Societies, then, may disagree in their application of fundamentals, but may agree with the principles at hand. Ultimately, it is recognized that there are important issues arising from these concepts, even if the relativist
The challenges one faces when supporting the relativist position are complex and variable, as there is no fine line that is applicable to all situations as a whole. The reasoning behind this is due to different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, which often represent different morals, values, ethics, and belief systems. All of those attribute and further point to the subjectivity and controversial dilemmas faced by one who carries out the relativist position. As we have been educated to accept that in ethical relativism that there is no universal or absolute rules, therefore the consequences of one’s actions are not exactly identified and remain somewhat unknown. Let’s look at the view where there is the aspect of truth in ethics, but still is relative based upon the multiple moral factors that are present in the same scenario, which can have two completely different sets of consequences placed upon them, as each groups morality has there underlying claims. Given this example, there would be no moral infrastructure to resolve or come to an agreement upon, with those from different societies. One of the arguments of relativism is that some moral beliefs are culturally driven to be relative, as where others are not. For example, those in relation to one’s customs of dressing attire and decency. Another, would be China’s one-child policy, and how it contributes to the murder and abandonment of many children if the desired sex has not been satisfied. In our society they would be condemned, even so the principle of the underlying morality of the situation may be understood by society-due to the overwhelming population that they have. Societies, then, may disagree in their application of fundamentals, but may agree with the principles at hand. Ultimately, it is recognized that there are important issues arising from these concepts, even if the relativist