The core difference between individual and social/cultural relativism lies in the source of what is considered right or wrong.
Understanding Relativism in Ethics
Moral relativism is the philosophical stance that asserts that there is no universal truth about morality; instead, ethical truths are relative. This relativity can be understood on different levels, primarily individual and cultural.
Individual Relativism (Subjectivism)
According to individualistic moral relativism, what is considered right or wrong varies from person to person. This means that moral judgments are subjective, based purely on an individual's beliefs, feelings, or attitudes. There are no objective moral standards that apply universally to everyone.
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Key Characteristics:
- Morality is determined by the individual.
- "Right for me" might be "wrong for you."
- No basis for interpersonal moral criticism (if it's right for them, who are you to say otherwise?).
- Often referred to as moral subjectivism.
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Example: One person might believe that lying is always wrong, while another believes it's acceptable if it protects someone's feelings. According to individual relativism, both beliefs are equally valid for that individual.
Social or Cultural Relativism
Cultural moral relativism, on the other hand, posits that what is right or wrong varies from society/culture to society/culture or traditions. This view holds that moral standards are created and validated by a particular culture or society. There are no cross-cultural moral standards.
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Key Characteristics:
- Morality is determined by the prevailing norms of a culture or society.
- "Right in our culture" might be "wrong in theirs."
- Actions are judged based on the moral code of the society in which they occur.
- Implies difficulty in judging practices of other cultures.
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Example: In some cultures, polygamy is considered morally acceptable and is a traditional practice, while in many others, it is considered morally wrong. According to cultural relativism, both stances are valid within their respective cultural contexts.
Comparing Individual vs. Cultural Relativism
Here is a table summarizing the main difference:
| Feature | Individual Relativism | Cultural Relativism |
|---|---|---|
| Source of Morality | The individual person | Society, culture, or traditions |
| Scope of Application | Applies uniquely to each person | Applies to members within a specific group |
| Variation | From person to person | From culture to culture |
| Basis | Individual feelings, beliefs, preferences | Social norms, customs, collective beliefs |
In essence, individual relativism places the locus of moral truth within the private world of each person, while cultural relativism places it within the shared norms and traditions of a group. Both reject the idea of universal, objective moral standards, but they differ on who or what determines the relative standard.
