Relative value in morals refers to the idea that moral judgments, and therefore moral values, are not universally true or false but depend on a specific perspective or context.
This concept is central to moral relativism. According to moral relativism, as the reference states, moral judgments are true or false only relative to some particular standpoint—such as that of a specific culture, historical period, or even individual—and that no standpoint is uniquely privileged over all others.
In simpler terms, what is considered "good" or "bad," "right" or "wrong," is not fixed but varies depending on who is making the judgment and their background.
Understanding Moral Relativism
Moral relativism proposes that there is no single, objective moral truth that applies to everyone, everywhere, at all times. Instead, morality is seen as a product of human invention, culture, or personal belief.
- Cultural Relativism: This is a common form of moral relativism, suggesting that moral norms are determined by a culture. What is right in one culture might be wrong in another, and neither is objectively "better" than the other.
- Historical Relativism: This view posits that moral standards change over time. Moral beliefs of one era might be considered immoral in a later period.
- Individual Relativism: This extreme form suggests that morality is purely a matter of individual opinion or feeling.
Key Idea
The core principle is that the "truth" of a moral statement like "Killing is wrong" isn't absolute. Its truth might depend on whether you are assessing it from the standpoint of a society where killing is taboo versus, perhaps, a specific wartime context where it might be deemed necessary.
Relative vs. Absolute Morality
Understanding relative value in morals is often best achieved by contrasting it with the idea of absolute morality.
| Feature | Relative Morality | Absolute Morality |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Culture, History, Individual Standpoint | Universal Truth, Divine Law, Reason |
| Nature | Dependent on context | Independent of context |
| Judgments | True or false relative to a standpoint | True or false universally |
| Privileged View | No single standpoint is uniquely better | There is one correct moral standard |
- Absolute Morality: Believes that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of cultural beliefs or circumstances. For example, an absolutist might believe that lying is always wrong.
- Relative Morality: Believes that the rightness or wrongness of an action depends on the context or the standpoint from which it is judged. A relativist might argue that lying could be acceptable in some situations (e.g., to protect someone).
Implications of Moral Relativism
The idea of relative value in morals has significant implications:
- Tolerance: It can encourage tolerance towards different cultural practices, as one culture's moral code is not seen as inherently superior to another's.
- Criticism: It can make it difficult to criticize moral practices of other cultures or individuals, as their standards are just as valid for them as yours are for you.
- Moral Progress: It raises questions about the concept of moral progress if there's no objective standard to measure against.
In summary, relative value in morals highlights that moral truths are not universal facts but are contingent upon the perspective from which they are viewed, as described by the concept of moral relativism where moral judgments are true or false only relative to some particular standpoint.
