Legal Definitions - moral relativism

Moral relativism is the philosophical view that there are no absolute, universal, or unchanging standards of right and wrong that apply to all people, in all places, and at all times. Instead, what is considered moral or ethical is seen as dependent on individual beliefs, cultural norms, historical context, or specific circumstances.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Cultural Practices: In some cultures, it is considered a sign of respect for younger family members to care for their elderly parents in their own homes, viewing institutional care as neglectful. In other cultures, placing elderly parents in well-equipped care facilities is seen as a responsible and loving choice that ensures professional care and social engagement, especially when adult children have demanding careers or live far away. Neither practice is inherently "right" or "wrong" in an absolute sense; their moral acceptability is relative to the cultural values and societal structures of each community.

• Truth-Telling in Specific Situations: Consider the act of lying. An individual might hold an absolute moral belief that lying is always wrong, regardless of the situation. However, another person might believe that lying is morally permissible, or even necessary, if it protects someone from harm—for instance, lying to a dangerous individual about the whereabouts of an innocent person. In this scenario, the morality of telling the truth is not absolute but is relative to the perceived consequences and the specific context, demonstrating that what constitutes "right" action can vary based on individual ethical frameworks and situational demands.

• Historical Evolution of Norms: Throughout history, many societies practiced forms of capital punishment for a wide range of offenses, including theft or minor crimes, and it was often viewed as a just and necessary component of law and order. Today, while capital punishment still exists in some places, many nations have abolished it, considering it a cruel and inhumane violation of human rights. This shift illustrates moral relativism because what was once widely accepted as a morally justifiable form of justice in one era is now considered morally reprehensible by many in another, showing that moral standards are not constant across historical periods.