Cultural Relativism, The Divine Command Theory, And The Minimum Definition Of Morality

Throughout the ages, philosophers across land and time have argued various perspectives describing their opinions on subjects such as virtue, duties and moral conceptions with great detail. The unfortunate case that has arisen throughout time is determining what code, belief, religion, faith, etc. has truly defined the best set of moral laws to abide by for the greater good of humanity. Even that conquest alone many would argue is unethical in the nature that it follows a utilitarian sense of direction and at what cost must be paid for the greater good. These topics will leave anyone debating the idea as to whether a solid and surefire solution can be created in order to ensure the well-being of a certain population. Contrasting feelings always arise in me as I dive deeper into the differing perspectives of various arguments and whether or not they directly oppose or coincide with the theory that is the minimum conception of morality. Cultural relativism, ethical subjectivism, the Divine Command Theory, the Natural Law theory, and ethical egoism all have similar and contrasting views that intertwine with each other while also equally having basic principles and objections towards the minimum conception of morality.

To begin, the first theory to be discussed is cultural relativism and its relationship with the minimum conception of morality. In order to do so, it is important to define both arguments; Cultural Relativism is the principle that dictates beliefs, faiths, customs and traditions within one society may be justified, but to other societies looking in, it may not. Examples include opposing religions within separate regions across the globe such as Christianity and Hinduism. The Minimum Conception of Morality follows a ut...

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...society, this theory can coexist with the MCM.

The Divine Command Theory is a form of a larger theory known as the Natural Law Theory. The Natural Law theory states that laws are comprised of reason, religion, as well as the nature of all things. Similar to the Divine Command theory, only morally sound actions or actions justified by a prior example such as religion, are only acceptable. It is argued that Natural Law Theory differentiates itself from the Divine Command theory in that most forms of the Natural Law Theory find justification for actions through reason and not revelation. That being said, the

Natural Law also agrees with the MCM in its roots of having to find a moral cause behind every action. Morality in itself requires the impartial consideration of other individuals, and that act alone of maintaining the well-being of others is morally justified.