Difference Between Relativism And Moral Objectivism

Deontologists create concrete distinctions between what is moral right and wrong and use their morals as a guide when making choices. Deontologists generate restrictions against maximizing the good when it interferes with moral standards. Also, since deontologists place a high value on the individual, in some instances it is permissible not to maximize the good when it is detrimental to yourself. For example, one does not need to impoverish oneself to the point of worthlessness simply to satisfy one’s moral obligations. Deontology can be looked at as a generally flexible moral theory that allows for self-interpretation but like all others theories studied thus far, there are arguments one can make against its reasoning.

(Foot 1972: 311). Morality and its standards are often assumed to be 'intrinsically' motivating, and this is how they regulate society's behaviour. (Prinz in Batson 2011:41). Yet Batson suggests rather than intrinsically motivating, we conform to the principles to avoid social and self-rewards, where we are viewed as morally good. Morality for Kant is determined by whether certain moral actions could be turned into a universal maxim.

Some people believe that morals are not universal and rather that the moral action depends on societal or individual opinions. It is obvious that people and societies have different beliefs on what is right and what is wrong, but does that change what is moral? Therefore, the question is: Are there any moral truths that remain constant regardless of opinions? Ethical Objectivism is based on the belief that there are moral truths of the universe that

in Rachels 65). So, we should have no considerations for the people who would be affected by our actions other than our selves. A commonsensical person can see how this could lead to several negative consequences and moral injustice. Take for example, a rapist who seeks sexual pleasure by forcefully acquiring it from his victims or the Joker who causes terror for the pleasure of watching the world burn (The Dark Knight). To the ethical egoist, since these actions are selfishly done for one’s own benefit, they are morally justified.

The objective of this paper is to analyze the theory of ethical egoism beginning with an introduction to ethical egoism is, its principle of conduct, and an explanation how it differs from psychological egoism. Following will be a discussion of how the arbitrary principle of certain beliefs is the same for ethical egotism which subsequently conduces the arbitrariness of the theory. Lastly this paper will explain why it is unsuitable as a moral theory due to its groundlessness and failure to meet the minimum conception of morality. Typically most would say that people have a duty to others as well as themselves. However for egoists this is not the case, for them the interests of others are unimportant and irrelevant.

In contrast, an ethical egoist would not be considered selfish in that they believe that everyone should maximize their own personal good and that it should be universal, not individual (Holmes 55). By definition, ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with and studies morality (Holmes 1). Ethical theory attempts to define the moral point of view. Ethical egoism falls under the category of consequentialist theories. According to consequentialist theories, rightness is solely determined by the consequences of acts (Holmes 18).

Waldron wishes to answer the inconsistencies in the paradox of the moral right to do wrong. One way Waldron says we misunderstand the moral right to do wrong is ... ... middle of paper ... ...ose misunderstandings and addresses why we have that moral right to do wrong. I agree with Waldron’s views since they connect to the enhancement of a diverse society. we know now that Waldron is looking at “wrongs” from a moral view not a legal view. An objection can be that his conception is limited because it only deals with morals and leaves the legal point of view aside.

Ayer’s ideas of emotivism contradict moral realism because his ideas lead toward no moral truths. He speaks that emotions with moral ideas are meaningless, therefore by adding any emotion to a moral statement would make it meaningless, according to Ayer. Moral realism has ties with emotions too it, not all moral statements involve emotions and feelings, but Ayer’s ideas definitely refute the ideas of moral

Morality involves what we ought to do regarding right and wrong and/or good and bad based on our values, virtues and principles (Gray, JW). Something is moral if it is the right thing to do or rational thing to do based on the facts presented in a situation. Objectivity is the state or quality of being true even outside of one’s individual biases, interpretations, and feelings (Wikipedia). Objective decisions are ones that are not based on personal feelings or opinions, but instead it is based on the circumstances and facts presented when considering a particular decision. I shall argue that morality that is case-by-case or situational can still be objective without universal or general rules.

First, it resonates with Jean Paul Sartre’s view that the meaning in life is defined by ourselves, and an ensuing positivity emanates from moral relativism. If we know that we can decide how to live a good life, then we will not wait for the single true morality to find us, but rather start to create a better world for every like-minded fellow creature (one who wants to seek a good life). In this way, we can form alliances to hunt down criminals who object to universal moral facts (e.g., Hitler), while sharing with each other our points of view on how we should