Ethical relativism supports the theory that:
a. different societies have similar ideas about right and wrong.
b. what is right is determined by what a culture or society says is right.
c. morality is relative to the goal of promoting human well-being.
d. there are no moral values whatsoever.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
b. what is right is determined by what a culture or society says is right.
Explanation:
Ethical relativism is a moral theory that holds that the principles of right and wrong are not universal, but rather, they are determined by the cultural, social, or individual context in which they arise. This idea suggests that there is no objective standard for what is morally right or wrong across all societies; instead, moral values are relative to the specific practices, beliefs, and norms of a given society or culture.
The core tenet of ethical relativism is that what is considered morally acceptable in one culture may not be regarded the same way in another. For example, practices such as eating certain animals or forms of dress may be viewed as acceptable or taboo depending on the cultural context. According to ethical relativism, there are no overarching moral truths that apply to all humans regardless of culture; instead, each society’s definition of morality is valid within its own context.
The belief behind ethical relativism is that cultural diversity in moral codes reflects the fact that moral standards arise from social agreements and historical contexts. For instance, in one society, a practice like polygamy may be morally acceptable, while in another, it might be viewed as unethical. This theory asserts that neither culture can claim moral superiority over the other because each culture’s standards are valid in their own context.
Critics of ethical relativism argue that it can lead to moral inconsistencies and the justification of harmful practices, such as discrimination or violence, under the guise of cultural acceptance. However, supporters believe that it promotes tolerance and understanding by recognizing the diversity of human moral beliefs.
In summary, ethical relativism advocates that moral judgments are determined by cultural beliefs and practices, rather than universal ethical standards.