Question

Explain the differences between the three conflicting views of truth (absolutism, societal relativism, individual relativism). (I am writing a three page paper so I need more than a few sentences! Thank you so much :)

Answer 1

Relativism is the perspective that norms of right and wrong are defined by the private experience, cultural sensitivities, and inclinations of each individual. In other words, there is no uniform standard of reality and falsity in relativistic thinking.

Absolutism is the view that all actions, regardless of the individual's religious beliefs or goals, are judged by a uniform standard of right and wrong.

Each individual makes decisions that reflect their embellishment. (This assumes that distinct cultures present differences in enculturation, and these variations appear in distinct judgement patterns that are typical or "normal" for individuals in each society.) In other words, human nature is consistent with many distinct cultural patterns, and most individuals are consistent with prevailing social pressures.

When we add another concept, we move beyond cultural relativism and embrace ethical relativism or moral relativism: there are no complete values to guide moral decisions, and the value system of each culture is similarly true. The suggestion that each of these distinct norms be ethical relativism

(Cultural relativism simply states that distinct organizations apply distinct norms without commenting on the validity of those distinct norms.) Relativism is sometimes championed for more practical purposes, such as being an antidote to ethnocentrism. (Relativism should be more tolerant and open-minded than options. People who view absolutism as intolerant and narrow-minded often reject moral absolutism.)

Moral subjectivism is the opinion that the value system of each person is equally true. It is parallel to relativism (which focuses on a scheme of values that is culturally developed), but does not believe that the system of culture should prevail over the values of the individual. In other words, moral distinctions between people are taken as proof that the preferences of each person are moral justification for that individual's behaviour.

Relativism and subjectivism are rejected by moral absolutism. Absolutism is the doctrine that, apart from being supported by any person or group, certain normative moral statements are true.

If we are not tempted by subjectivism, then it is a good reason to embrace absolutism to show relativism to be confused.