Pros and Cons: Ethical Relativism and Absolutism and Ethical Egoism and Altruism

Chapter 8 Discussions
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Chapter 8 Discussion
Question 1
Scholars explain the societal concepts of truth and justice by presenting two specific theories; ethical relativism and ethical absolutism. In Relativism, the truth is not absolute, but rather relative to the subject of discussion and it varies from one individual to another. Therefore, no single moral principle exists that is universal, but all moral principles and values are specific to various cultures and civilizations (Jalsenjak, 2019). Ethical Absolutism either categorizes concepts as either right or wrong. The theory emphasizes on the universality of moral principles and values.
Pros of Ethical Relativism
Relativism helps in dismissing the imperialism imposed on morality. It helps in disputing the aspect of one culture's beliefs and moral values being superior to other cultures (Jalsenjak, 2019). Therefore, it is important in enhancing the need for human to adopt cultural diversity making it a more tolerant worldview. Ethical relativism encourages people to live harmoniously by ensuring that they respect and acknowledge each other's moral principles and values while working and interacting.
Cons of Ethical Relativism
Relativism fails to acknowledge that some of the moral values in various cultures are universal. Therefore, the theory closes a debate on some questionable values in some cultures. In any case, some of cultures allow men to practice adultery whereas women committing the same vice are stoned to death which makes it impossible to criticize such cultures.
Pros of Ethical Absolutism
People do not use the theory of absolutism often as they use relativism. However, it is a theory that does not base its inclinations towards an individual or groups of people, but rather on universal moral values (Jalsenjak, 2019). The other advantage of the absolutism is that it provides a fixed ethical code that guide judgment where situations demand so.
Cons of Ethical Absolutism
However, the theory fails to consider the elements of historical development, cultural variation and the evolving individual lifestyles. Therefore, it does not offer room to discuss the evolutionary nature of human existence based on their moral values.
Distinction between Descriptive and normative ethics