Advantages Of Moral Objectivism In Contrast To Moral Relativism
Introduction
In this paper, I am writing to support Moral Objectivism. But before I delve into why, I think it is necessary to define some related terms such as morals and morality, and the traits of moral principles. Thereafter, I will also present my rationale against support for Moral Relativism with arguments to support my claims.
Morals and Morality
Morality is the differentiation of intentions, decisions and actions between those that are distinguished as proper or those that are improper. The basics or standards of differentiation used to judge the morality of an action is where morals come in.
Morals can be defined as standards of behaviors. They are the principles of right and wrong. They are the guidelines that help discern the rightness of any actions, intentions and decisions. For example, if I was to find five million Naira on the floor in a public space, and I wanted to judge the correctness of any decision I had to make regarding what to do; They will then be used to figure out if the decision I was to make would be a right one or wrong one. But then, what are the standards of judging what is to be regarded morals? After further research, I came across specific traits that synonymous to every valid moral principle.
Traits of Morals Principles
A moral principle is:
- Universal: For a principle to be “universal” it is always valid to all people in similar circumstances.
- Overriding: Moral principles supersede emotional, legal and other circumstantial considerations.
- Prescriptive: Moral principles are right whether you believe them or not.
- Public: Moral principles can be known by everyone and be used by everyone to judge morality with common human rationality.
- Practicable: Moral principles because they are public, universal, rigid and cannot be overridden are then practicable since they have a consistent standard for judging morality.
In any consideration, whether for or against the validity of any specific moral principle, these traits serve as a useful guide to either support or disprove your decision.
What is Moral Objectivism
Moral objectivism can be described as a philosophy that believes actions, intentions and decisions are objectively right or wrong, depending on each circumstance or situation. It is grounded on the assumption that although moral principles are universal, their application should be guided by reason or critical thinking. With the application of moral objectivism, the resulting outcome or decision may differ between situations based on the peculiarities of each situation. This philosophy can be practiced by anyone and does not conform them to just one way of life. Rather, people who subject their decisions to it are guided by certain universal principles that help them live ethical lives. For example, moral objectivism believes that killing is wrong, so if you are to abide by this philosophy then killing would always be wrong regardless of culture or tradition and if anyone was to disagree then through common human rationality, they can prove to themselves that it is wrong.
What is Moral Relativism
Moral relativism is a philosophy that believes there are no universally valid principles and objective standards that apply to all people everywhere in every situation. It believes that everyone is entitled to judge the morality of their own actions and no one asides that individual should judge the correctness or otherwise of his or her beliefs and decisions.
Why Moral Objectivism and not Moral Relativism
Since both philosophies are based on their own principles and assumptions, it is necessary to apply the traits of moral principles to discern the validity or otherwise of each. Therefore, if we were to cross check objectivism against the traits of valid moral principles, we would see that, objectivism is universal because it is accepted by everyone regardless of culture or tradition. It is always valid for all people in relevantly similar circumstances. It is overriding because it does not conform to emotions, law or circumstances. It is prescriptive because it is right, whether you believe it or not. It is public because everyone can know and judge the correctness of their actions or beliefs with the ability to think rationally. It is practicable because it has consistent standards that can be used to judge the rightness of actions.
On the other hand, to cross check Moral relativism against the traits of valid moral principles, we would see that, it is not universal because it differs between people, cultures and traditions. It is not overriding because it can be swayed by an individual’s emotions or preferences. It is not prescriptive because it is based on how the individual feels or the individual’s beliefs regarding what is wrong or right. It is not public because each individual’s personal beliefs are largely private to the individual and thus may not be known to others. Finally, moral relativism is not practicable because it has no consistent standards since it is dependent on emotions and personal beliefs which are subject to erratic change and thus highly unpredictable.
Thus, with moral relativism, if I was to reach a decision that killing a human being was right, no one can disagree with my decision and or beliefs in that situation and only I determine the morality of my decision and actions. Furthermore, since my decision with relativism is subject to my emotions, it is possible that a subsequent check on the correctness of my decision or actions may result in a change of outcome such that on a later date. Finally, Moral relativism will ultimately lead to the invalidity of morality since there is no obligation anyone abides by since every individual is allowed to change their views on mortality at will.
Conclusion
Moral objectivism and Moral relativism are both philosophies that can be adopted by humans as a basis for living in society. However, in order to achieve and maintain social order within our communities, Objectivism is considered the only valid philosophy that offers an opportunity for people to live by to experience fulfilled lives and the best means to attain an ethical life.
References
- Crash Course. (2016, October 25). Metaethics: Crash Course Philosophy #32. Retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOoffXFpAlU
- Jacobs, T. (2017, September 10). Relativism vs. Objectivism. Retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzJTIjSLC98
