Moral absolutism vs. Moral relativism vs. Nihilism

[rhonda15]

Moral absolutism:
There are moral judgements (claims of good and evil and right and wrong) that are absolutely true, regardless of the moral framework (society, culture, value system) in which they are uttered.

Moral relativism:
There are no moral judgements that are absolutely true. The truth of moral judgements is relative to the moral framework in which they are uttered. The same judgement may be true in one, and false in another, and there is no exterior standard by which to compare them. It does not make sense to try to judge the truth of moral claims without a frame of reference.

Nihilism:
Begins by accepting moral relativism as true. Then claims that, because moral judgements are relative to their frame of reference, and there is no standard by which to determine the true frame of reference, all moral conversation is meaningless. Morality is entirely abandoned.

What do you believe, and why?


While I dislike the term moral absolutist (as it suggests a rigid and unforgiving moral code), I myself would fall mainly into this camp as I believe moral relativism is the slippery slope to nihilism and a kind of secular totalitarianism.

While this subject matter is heavy I really believe the question is an important one in the context of this complex and sometimes confusing modern society we find ourselves living in.

[stringjack]

While I dislike the term moral absolutist (as it suggests a rigid and unforgiving moral code), I myself would fall mainly into this camp as I believe moral relativism is the slippery slope to nihilism and a kind of secular totalitarianism.

'Moral universalism' is probably better; both universalism and relativism are then forms of moral realism.

[rhonda15]

'Moral universalism' is probably better; both universalism and relativism are then forms of moral realism.

yes thanks for that - haven't studied philosophy too much in depth as of yet

[Gobuchul]

When it come to me and my life, I'm a moral relativist. My morality has changed as i have aged.

When it comes to how other people should behave, especially in relation to me or to things that affect me, I'm a moral absolutist.

Nihilism, Morality is abandoned you say,....Politics?

[rhonda15]

When it come to me and my life, I'm a moral relativist. My morality has changed as i have aged.

When it comes to how other people should behave, especially in relation to me or to things that affect me, I'm a moral absolutist.

Nihilism, Morality is abandoned you say,....Politics?

Sounds like you're of the "IMO there's good, bad, and what I want to do." camp

[jcdf]

Can somebody believe in legality or ethic's or divinity and not believe in morality? Any examples?

[stringjack]

Can somebody believe in legality or ethic's or divinity and not believe in morality? Any examples?

Why would there be any difficulty believing in legality or divinity and not believing in morality?

[Just Us]

Moral absolutism:
There are moral judgements (claims of good and evil and right and wrong) that are absolutely true, regardless of the moral framework (society, culture, value system) in which they are uttered.

Moral relativism:
There are no moral judgements that are absolutely true. The truth of moral judgements is relative to the moral framework in which they are uttered. The same judgement may be true in one, and false in another, and there is no exterior standard by which to compare them. It does not make sense to try to judge the truth of moral claims without a frame of reference.

Nihilism:
Begins by accepting moral relativism as true. Then claims that, because moral judgements are relative to their frame of reference, and there is no standard by which to determine the true frame of reference, all moral conversation is meaningless. Morality is entirely abandoned.

What do you believe, and why?


While I dislike the term moral absolutist (as it suggests a rigid and unforgiving moral code), I myself would fall mainly into this camp as I believe moral relativism is the slippery slope to nihilism and a kind of secular totalitarianism.

While this subject matter is heavy I really believe the question is an important one in the context of this complex and sometimes confusing modern society we find ourselves living in.

So context matters?

[Mercurial]

I’ll put myself more or less in the secular universalist camp. I find ideas like Lockean self-ownership and the Categorical Imperative (at least in its second formulation) quite attractive.

[rhonda15]

So context matters?

yes of course context and situational ethics matter even within the framework of a largely absolutist moral code