17 Aug Given the diversity of moral perspectives in our society and the depth of disagreement on moral issues, moral relativism and subjectivism have emerged as popular positions on morality.
Given the diversity of moral perspectives in our society and the depth of disagreement on moral issues, moral relativism and subjectivism have emerged as popular positions on morality. As such, it is worth examining the advantages and limitations of relativism and subjectivism. As a launching pad, consider the following practices that differ among societies:
* Hunting wild animals for sport
* Cremation of the dead, as opposed to the burial of the body
* Mass executions without trials or any legal proceedings
* Ritual eating of human flesh of dead relatives in the belief that such a ritual allows the dead relatives to live on in those still alive
* Younger boys performing fellatio on older men as a male rite of passage from childhood to adulthood
* Killing rhinos to obtain their horns (in the belief that it will confer greater virility)
* Denying rights of free speech and peaceable assembly to groups of people perceived as a threat to society
Is there an absolute right and wrong on these matters? Or is right and wrong relative to each culture? Relative to each individual? Explain why. In your explanation, look to discuss some of the following:
* How moral relativism differs from cultural relativism and moral absolutism
* The appeal of and argument in favor of moral relativism
* The various problems of relativism
* Moral subjectivism and the objection to it
