What does it mean if morality is relative?

Ethical relativism
Ethical relativism is the theory that holds that morality is relative to the norms of one’s culture. That is, whether an action is right or wrong depends on the moral norms of the society in which it is practiced. The same action may be morally right in one society but be morally wrong in another.

What is a morally relative society?

f. Normative relativism is the view that it is wrong to judge or interfere with the moral beliefs and practices of cultures that operate with a different moral framework to one’s own, that what goes on in a society should only be judged by the norms of that society.

What is an example of relative morality?

For example, if a person believes that abortion is morally wrong, then it IS wrong — for her. A person can believe that moral obligations are relative to a culture and at the same time believe that a person from that culture has a genuine obligation to abide by whatever moral code that culture adheres to.

Is slavery an example of ethical relativism?

Ethical relativism is the position that there are no moral absolutes, no moral right and wrongs. The disadvantage of ethical relativism is that truth, right and wrong, and justice are all relative. Just because a group of people think that something is right does not make it so. Slavery is a good example of this.

What makes an act right or wrong?

So when looking at an act we can focus on the nature of the act itself or on the consequences. We can say the act is right or wrong because it is a certain kind of act, it fits in with certain principles or rules, or we can say the act is right or wrong because it results in good or bad consequences.

Are morals different in different societies?

Different societies have different moral codes. The moral code of a society determines what is right or wrong within that society. There are no moral truths that hold for all people at all times. The moral code of our own society has no special status; it is but one among many.

Is moral relativism a danger to society?

Accepting this moral wrong because of moral relativism based on culture is dangerous as it leads to indifference. If we cannot judge and moral rightness depends on certain cultures, then “anything goes”. Moral relativism leads to moral paralysis and indifference.

How does culture affect morality?

Cultures vary over time periods, between countries and geographic regions, and among groups and organizations. Culture reflects the moral and ethical beliefs and standards that speak to how people should behave and interact with others.