Relativism in Farenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury

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Recommended: Critical evaluation of moral relativism

“Nothing is more likely to distort our understanding of reality than the notion of relativism.” (Rombouts 257). Relativism is the belief that truth and principles are not absolute but only relative to a person or group of people. Absolutism is the acceptance of absolute principles. Both of these ethical philosophies are found today and have been present since the beginning of recorded history. History also proves the negative impact or weakness of a relative culture. The philosophy of relativism is a growing trend in the society of American students. In Fahrenheit 451, relativism makes up almost the entire society. This story shows that the course of a society without solid principles can be destructive.
Today in American society absolutists are viewed as close-minded and judgmental because of outside misconceptions. For example, in William B. Irvine’s article Confronting Relativism, he lists many misconceptions, including “absolutists view the world only in black-and-white terms”. One instance might be that an individual believes binge drinking is harmful to the student society. Some relativists might say that this individual is judgmental and “no fun” because it is not hurting anyone. There is little basis for that argument. Absolutist students today are dealing with rejection from those who lack absolute truths around them. Relativism is the result when one does not realize the outcome of his or her actions (Irvine 42). Self-interest is a main characteristic of relativism. Most students find that once they think things through they are actually “closet absolutists” (Irvine 47).
Absolutists in Fahrenheit 451’s society are oppressed. For example, Clarisse, Montag, and Faber all experienced or feared judgment from those around t...

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Irvine, William B. “Confronting Relativism” Academic Questions. 14.1 (2000) 42. Academic Search Complete. EBSCOhost. Stratton Taylor Coll. Lib., OK. 23 Oct. 2013.
Seed, David. “The Flight from the Good Life: Fahrenheit 451 in the Context of Postwar American Dystopias.” In Modern Critical Interpretations: Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 2001, edited by Harold Bloom, 75-88. Broomall: Chelsea House Publishers, 2001, 2003.
Bradbury, Ray. “Fahrenheit 451.” 44-49. New York: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks 2013.
Bradbury, Ray. “Fahrenheit 451.”54-55. New York: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks 2013.
Lind, Georg. “Moral Competence and the Democratic way of Living.” Europe’s Journal of Psychology. 7.4 (2011): 569-596. Academic Search Complete. EBSCOhost. Stratton Taylor Coll. Lib., OK. 26 Oct. 2013.

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