Absolutism & Relativism

Question	Answer
What is Absolutism?	-Making ethical decisions based on objective rules -It maintains that some things are right and some are wrong -Fixed for all times, places and people
What is Relativism?	-Suggests that nothing is intrinsically right/wrong -Believes that all human circumstances are different -Focuses on the consequences of an action
Name 3 advantages of Absolutism	- It allows critical evaluation of moral rules -It is fair; people are treated the same as the rules are universal -There is no need for different rules for different people
Name 2 disadvantages of Absolutism	-It is sometimes not appropriate to treat people the same due to circumstances -Life isn't 'black and white'; it's not right to make everyone live by the same rules
What is Cultural Relativism?	-It affirms the idea 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do' -Believes that truth is variable and not absolute -Cultural Relativists believe that all cultures are worthy in their own right and are of equal value
Name 3 advantages of Relativism	- It allows diversity -It understand that life is not simply 'black and white' -Takes people's beliefs/cultures into account
Name 2 disadvantages of Relativism	-Reduces the meaning of what is good to what is socially acceptable (e.g. if a culture allowed wife beating then somebody who believes in C. Relativism would also have to say that wife beating is acceptable) -It may be more difficult to decide when the rules need changing in different circumstances

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	Created by Jennifer Rose33 over 10 years ago