Ethical Relativism By Louis Pojman

1071 Words3 Pages

Many seem to have falling prey to the seduction of ethical relativism, because it plays in to their ethnocentric egoistic moral belief. Individuals such as Pojman are able to critically evaluate this moral principle and not fall victim like his or hers lay counter parts. We will attempt to analyze the theory of ethical relativism, by check the validity of this ethical theory, and evaluate its ethical concepts. With these procedures we will find if it is competent as an ethical principle to adhere by. Then evaluate Louis Pojman critique on ethical relativism and analyze does he successfully refute relativism position. We will also analyze objectivism; the ethical theory which Pojman erects in the place of ethical relativism. However, …show more content…

The first is Prescriptivity; this trait is the ability to guide actions, nature of morality. This trait is used to assign praise and blame. Also, are used to provide feelings contentment and guilt (Fieser 7). Some of these principle are generally put forth as commands or imperatives (Fieser 7). Many may know this as, do not kill, do no unnecessary harm, and love you neighbor (Fieser 7). Most people and religions use these to advise others and influence actions (Fieser 7). A great example of prescriptivity is the Ten Commandments, this puts forth a list of permisble and umpermisible actions. The next is universalizability: “moral principles must apply to all people who are in a relevantly similar situations” (Fieser 7). This trait would best be manifested in the Golden Rule, “Do to others what you would want them to do to you” (Fieser 7). “We also see it in the formal principle of justice: It cannot be right for A to treat B in a manner in which it would be wrong for B to treat A, merely on the ground that they are two different individuals”(Fieser 7). After is overridingness: this is trait that holds that a moral principle must supersede aesthetic and prudential and legal one (Fieser 7). For example, a moral principle like thou

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