Ethical Theory: Absolute & Relativist theory L.O: Be able to understand the concepts of absolutist & relativist morality Explain the characteristics of absolutist & relativist theory Explain the terms deontological

Recap Ethical Absolutism A command that is true for all time, in all places and in all situations Comes from ancient Greek philosophers e.g. Socrates, Plato & Aristotle Certain things are right or wrong from an objective point of view and cannot change according to culture or circumstances Usually deontological i.e. intrinsically wrong or right Popular position for those who believe in God

Recap Ethical Relativism No universally valid moral principles – whether something is right or wrong depends on the circumstances Developed by the Sophists, a series of wise men who were trying to disprove the ancient Greek philosophers. Cultural relativism – something may be right in one culture but wrong in another e.g. polygamy Usually teleological i.e. based on the consequences of an action

Morality does appear to be absolute. But is morality absolute??..This means they are not changed by time …This means that the laws or rules are not changed depending on people’s culture...This means regardless of the situation the law or rule still stands. Moral instructions or laws are …. For example…Can you think of any examples that show moral laws …. Eternal … Murder has always been wrong and always will be! ARE NOT Eternal? Not subject to culture... Murder is deemed wrong all over the world – and even if it wasn’t it should be! Are Subject to culture? Not determined by the situation… Murder is wrong regardless of the situation and the consequences. Are changed depending on situations? From these examples we can conclude that morality is absolute. However, from these examples we can conclude that morality is Relativist.

Relative and absolute? While it appears from our table that morality can be both absolute and relative, these two categories would not agree that to be the case. Relativists would say that absolutists are wrong in their claim that certain acts are always and without exception ‘wrong’ or ‘bad’. They believe that people’s opinions will differ but they can all be right. Whereas, absolutists would say that though there are differences of opinions on right and wrong these differences are not right. Some of those people will hold the right opinion and the others will be wrong.

StrengthsWeaknesses Deontological and absolutist (objective) theories Gives us a fixed ethical code to work from One culture can judge that the actions of another are wrong without allowing for excuses e.g. genocide Supports domestic & international laws e.g. Universal Declaration on Human Rights Does not take account of circumstances so can seem unfair Can seem tolerant of cultural diversity How do we actually know what the absolute morals are? Do we all interpret this in the same way? Takes no account of motive or outcome

StrengthsWeaknesses Teleological and relativist (subjective) theories Flexible to different circumstances & cultures Acknowledges diversity of opinion e.g. what is wrong to one person may not be wrong to another Provides answers in the absence of religious authority Lack of clarity so not consistent in application Does not hold other cultures to account or allow society to progress e.g. genocide is wrong and should always be wrong Subjective judgements

Summary of Introduction to Ethical Theory A Deontological Theory … Deontological theories are usually Absolutist. Absolutist theories… This can also be referred to as an objective approach to ethics. This means …… A Teleological theory……… Teleological theories are usually relativist. Relativist theories… These can also be called a subjective approach to ethics. This means…