Ethical absolutism

Definition

Ethical absolutism is the philosophical view that certain actions are intrinsically right or wrong, regardless of context or consequences. This means that ethical principles are universal and immutable, applying to all people at all times without exception. Ethical absolutism stands in contrast to ethical relativism, which holds that morality is dependent on cultural or individual perspectives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethical absolutism is often associated with moral theories such as deontology, which argues for adherence to rules or duties.
2. One major critique of ethical absolutism is that it can lead to rigid and dogmatic moral judgments that do not account for specific situations.
3. Prominent philosophers like Immanuel Kant are often cited as proponents of ethical absolutism due to their emphasis on universal moral laws.
4. In practical terms, ethical absolutism might suggest that actions such as murder or theft are always wrong, regardless of circumstances.
5. Ethical absolutism can foster debates about issues like human rights, where it argues for unchangeable rights applicable to all individuals.

Review Questions

• How does ethical absolutism differ from ethical relativism in terms of moral judgments?
  • Ethical absolutism holds that certain actions are universally right or wrong regardless of context, while ethical relativism argues that morality can vary based on cultural or individual perspectives. This means that absolutists believe in fixed moral standards that apply to everyone, while relativists see morality as fluid and shaped by societal norms. This fundamental difference creates distinct approaches to evaluating moral dilemmas.
• What role do philosophers like Immanuel Kant play in supporting ethical absolutism?
  • Philosophers like Immanuel Kant significantly support ethical absolutism through their advocacy for universal moral laws. Kant's deontological approach emphasizes duty-based ethics, asserting that certain actions are inherently right or wrong. His famous categorical imperative suggests that one should act only according to maxims that can be universally applied, which reinforces the idea of unchanging ethical principles central to ethical absolutism.
• Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of ethical absolutism in contemporary moral discussions.
  • Ethical absolutism offers clear guidance by providing definitive answers to moral questions, fostering a sense of moral certainty and accountability. However, its rigidity can be a weakness, as it often fails to consider the nuances of complex situations where context might influence moral evaluations. In contemporary discussions about issues like human rights or bioethics, this inflexibility can lead to contentious debates between absolutists and those advocating for more situationally aware approaches, highlighting the ongoing tension between universal ethics and contextual morality.

Related terms

ethical relativism: The belief that morality is not universal and can vary based on cultural, societal, or personal circumstances.

deontology: An ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of following moral rules or duties regardless of the consequences.

moral universality: The idea that some ethical principles are universally applicable to all humans, irrespective of culture or situation.