Question

Explain the doctrine of pragmatic relativism. In what way is sociological functionalism related to it? How does the doctrine of pragmatic relativism (and sociological functionalism) operate in everyday criminal courtroom deliberations? In decisions linked to probation or parole? In decisions to waive (or not) juveniles to the adult system?

Answer 1

Pragmatic Relativism says that we can not claim something good because we believe in that concept. There may be a possibility that our right may be someone else's wrong. Pragmatic person person believes in perfect model.

It means that person has faith in practical approach to reach to a goal. A straightforward attitude is being adopted by the person with pragmatic attitude. Such person also keeps his/her emotion aside while making a decision about something.

A person with relativistic approach believes that a rightness and wrongness of an action depends on the situations. It can be understood through an example. We can not blame someone or criticize someone just for eating non-veg food.

Eating habits depend on culture. If we are vegetarian then we can not blame others for taking non vegetarian food. There remains a need to maintain a balance between pragmatism and relativism. We simply can not follow the moral rules in each and every condition.

Let's take another example. Suppose there is a person. His wife is going through extreme labour pain. She needs to reach hospital immediately. Her husband is driving car beyond the speed limit. He also jumps red light to reach to hospital on time so that safety of mother and baby can be ensured.

Can we blame him for over speeding and jumping traffic signals? A perfect decision can only be made if we know the background of incident. Situations must be analysed before comparing any events at the scale of morality.