IASNOVA
Moral philosophy, also known as ethics, delves into questions about right and wrong, good and evil. Two key aspects of morality that are particularly relevant and interesting are “Moral Relativism” and “Moral Absolutism.” These concepts represent contrasting viewpoints on how moral principles are determined and applied.
1. Moral Relativism
- Definition: Moral Relativism is the view that moral judgments are true or false only relative to some particular standpoint (for instance, that of a culture or a historical period) and that no standpoint is uniquely privileged over all others.
- Key Features:
- Cultural Relativism: Suggests that what is considered morally right or wrong varies from one culture to another, and that there is no universal moral standard applicable to all cultures.
- Subjectivism: Holds that moral judgments are based on individual feelings and personal preferences.
- Examples in Practice:
- Practices like eating meat or polygamy may be morally acceptable in some cultures but considered unethical in others.
- Dress codes or social norms can vary greatly and what is considered respectful or appropriate in one society might be frowned upon in another.
- Implications for Civil Services: Understanding moral relativism can help civil servants appreciate and respect diverse cultural practices and viewpoints, fostering tolerance and inclusiveness.
2. Moral Absolutism
- Definition: Moral Absolutism is the ethical belief that there are absolute standards against which moral questions can be judged, and that certain actions are right or wrong, regardless of the context of the act.
- Key Features:
- Universal Principles: There are universal moral principles that apply to all individuals, regardless of culture, context, or personal preference.
- Objective Morality: Morality is viewed as an objective truth, independent of human perception or beliefs.
- Examples in Practice:
- Belief in human rights, such as the right to life, freedom, and security, irrespective of where a person lives or their cultural background.
- Condemnation of actions like murder, theft, or lying as inherently wrong, regardless of circumstances or cultural norms.
- Implications for Civil Services: Moral absolutism can guide civil servants in upholding universal ethical standards and human rights, ensuring fair and unbiased governance.
Comparative Analysis
- Contextual Flexibility: Relativism allows for more contextual flexibility, adapting moral judgments to different cultures and situations. Absolutism, however, offers a consistent moral framework, applicable across various contexts.
- Ethical Dilemmas: In situations of ethical dilemmas, relativism might lead to a more situational approach, while absolutism would demand adherence to fixed moral principles.
- Criticism: Relativism is often criticized for potentially justifying immoral acts under the guise of cultural differences, while absolutism is critiqued for being too rigid and insensitive to cultural nuances.
Conclusion
Understanding both Moral Relativism and Moral Absolutism is crucial for UPSC aspirants, particularly for the ethics paper. It equips them with the ability to analyze and understand diverse moral perspectives and apply them judiciously in their future roles as civil servants. This knowledge is vital for making ethically sound decisions in a multicultural and diverse society like India.
