The Debate Of Relativism Versus Objectivism

Introduction

I am here today to describe the basics of ethics and explain arguments concerning objectivism vs. relativism. I will also be covering the normative theory as well as normative ethics. We will be digging into one of the major normative theories as well as explaining the strengths as weaknesses as well. Then I will be concluding with a little about my own moral theory.

Part 1

What is metaethics? Metaethics is essentially the very foundation of morality. It basically asks what exactly morality is. Example being what is its nature or where did it come from? Is it a literal thing? Like if you were trying to rob someone but indirectly you saved their life. Are you in the right? Or are you still in the wrong? Now we will discuss the debate between objectivism versus relativism. Let’s start off by explaining both sides. Relativism is basically morals that are shaped by customs or beliefs. Religion and culture have a huge pull on whether something is wrong or right. They live by that code very strictly. Objectivism is a moral which is decided by you yourself. Religion or culture as zero pulls on what is right or wrong here. Relativism can be seen as spiritual while objectivism can be seen more as more realistic. With objectivism they are based on preference and opinion essentially. In example if someone decides stealing from church is acceptable then it is. No discussion necessary whereas with relativism a good example to use is in our country we are able to wear anything we want, and we do not have to cover much up. Whereas in Muslim countries they must wear certain articles of clothing that cover themselves completely. Going against that is against their culture and in that they are going against their moral code.

I will now be explaining the strengths and weaknesses of objectivism. One weakness is that it can be deemed very selfish. We would only have our personal interest at heart. It is seen that facts are facts regardless of how we may feel. A strength is it is centered on real world issue and facts. There is no God or whatever telling us how we should run our lives or what to say or what to do. Another weakness however is one can not decide what is right or wrong. There is no way of really knowing if how we feel is correct or not. Now I will describe the strengths and weaknesses of relativism. One weakness is if one is to believe it is wrong to hurt others he can also believe it is right. It can also be said that it contradicts itself. By saying all of one thing is basically indirectly that relativism itself is wrong. One strength is it is simple on how it works. It is a very flexible and a very understandable belief Very little cultural diversity

Part 2

In this next section I will be describing normative ethics. Normative ethics can be explained as the measure of what is right and what is wrong in the moral perspective. One of the main questions in normative ethics is determining how moral standards are decided and or justified. A few examples of normative theories are utilitarianism, the duty theory, and the virtue theory. I will below explain the virtue theory as well as its strengths and also its weaknesses. I must first mention that Aristotle is the one who started the entire theory. Virtue theory is essentially empathizing one’s character as opposed to following set standards. If we set our minds on right and living right, then positive and appropriate actions will follow. Aristotle put others well-being before his own. He as well as his views was very selfless. Some of Aristotle’s virtues were courage, temperance, liberality, friendliness, shame, truthfulness, and one that is rarely named very often was honor. In my next couple paragraphs, I will explain the strengths and weakness of this virtue.

One strength is as above stated it is a very selfless theory. It takes into consideration the person as a whole. It takes into consideration, their emotions, their character, just pretty much everything about that person as a whole. While other ethics focus n obligation or consequence this theory does not. Virtue theory teaches us to look after one another especially the ones closest to us. It allows us to make our own ethical decisions against following a certain rule or law. Lastly this is a broad scale on what is good or what is considered good. The criteria a whole lot bigger than the other theories. One weakness however is it is focused on one self rather than a mass population of people. Also, if you are asked about a friend’s horrible cooking do you answer with the truth or do you lie to spare your friends feelings. Weakness number three is if two countries try to come together but their values do not match one another’s it can then result in some serious conflict. As you have read above there is valid points in both the strengths and also the weaknesses.

Part 3. My Own Personal Code

My ethic background and influences are honestly very short yet very complex. With that being said, I will only be stating them briefly. I was raised up to always treat others with kindness and respect regardless of cultural background, race, religion, or anything remotely close to that category I really did not have any huge influences in my life besides my mother and the woman who took me in her home as her own with zero hesitation. They taught me kindness, truthfulness loyalty, honesty, courage, and hard work. I was never a religious or cultural person for the simple fact I saw flaws in all of them. Philosophy never really played a huge part in my moral development. Almost everything I’ve learned thus far has been self-taught or by the people I have above mentioned. I mean I am not saying it has not played a part in my life because it has I am just stating it hasn’t played a very huge part.

As far as the debate between relativism versus objectivism I tend to side more on the side of objectivism. I have never really been the type to let others think for me. Nor have I ever been the type to follow a God when we aren’t really unsure if the truly exists or not. I like to stay far away from any society with strict laws and beliefs because I tend to disagree with the vast majority or I find them to be extremely flawed. Also, as I stated above I like to go by my own rules. I actually found the Virtue Theory very useful. I will more than likely start applying it more to my life than I currently do. The way Aristotle seen things is so much like how I see things is kind of scary in a way. His morals and principles are a lot like mine. Like Aristotle I’m a very selfless person who is always putting others happiness and well-being before my own. I fell that the Virtue Theory is an amazing theory to live by. The world would be a much better place if everyone lived by this theory.

Conclusion

In conclusion I hope you found this paper and the information provided useful and easy to understand. I hope everything was informative and explained correctly. From what I have concluded with ethics and I may be wrong. But I think there is no right or wrong answer. It all really depends on you.