if that is the case then where do we set our foundation for right and wrong? How can we tell good and bad if everything is a matter of opinion? I think that relativism is a bad idea and will cause society to breakdown as people do what suits them. (abortion, gay-marriage, etc.)
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2006-12-18 15:49:17 · 16 answers · asked by esero26 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Humans are not binary beings, so there are never going to be absolutes, however there is a phenomenon called the bell curve. When discussing questions of right and wrong, the majority will agree on the same (or similar answer), and the extreme fringes will take opposite sides.
For example, is it ethical to use animals for testing? In America, the majority of people would say yes as long as it was necessary to save human lives or keep society running smoothly. A small percentage on one side would say you can do anything you want to animals, and a small percentage on the other side would say you should never use animals for testing.
In a free society, the moral compass is basically decided by the majority. This can change when certain facts are concealed or brought to light, or as a society evolves, but it never swings too far to one side or the other. Majority always rules.
On the other hand, in a dictatorship, might makes right. The opinion of the leader(s) determines what is right and wrong, Although covertly people may disagree, they are forced to tow the line or they risk punishment or death.
Rarely is there black and white in life. Only infinite shades of gray.
2006-12-18 16:10:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
But in terms of ethics and morality? Sure.
You probably do too but don't admit it.
1) Do you think its wrong to kill?
2) Is it wrong to kill in self defense? War?
3) In war, is it ok to target civilians when its unnecessary?
4) Do you think its o.k. to punish murderers by death?
You see all ethic systems are pretty relative, if you ask the right questions. If I did not choose the right ones for you, it does not mean that such questions dont exist.
Gay Marriage? Well I don't think homosexuality is wrong so my morality is not relative there. I'll admit i may personally be disgusted by some of those acts but that IS MY PERSONAL TASTE NOT MY MORALITY. I also dislike lima beans but it does not mean i am morally against them.
Abortion? I guess I'm undecided on it and hence consider it a personal choice I'd rather people make less often. I don't think in general its easy on the mother and im not sure at what point is wrong to do it for the baby. I think the right approach is to offer people alternatives whenever possible by offering effective birth control and by seeking ways to make rape less common.
2006-12-18 15:58:35 · answer #2 · answered by rostov 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Nothing is for sure. Truth is a myth. Society decides what right and wrong are. People always do what suits them, and society eventually changes with the tide of popular opinion.
2006-12-18 15:56:12 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't believe everything is relative. There is absolute truth. However, we may see truth differently, and each have a true glimpse of it, while not seeing the whole thing. So it could be that 2 people are right about the absolute truth, even though they don't say exactly the same thing.
So truth might be able to be described in various terms. But it is still absolute Truth.
2006-12-18 15:52:40 · answer #4 · answered by Sorrow & Bliss 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I think that everything is relative...however the majority should make the decisions....this is called a democracy. We can have our own relative opinions...yet we are governed by the laws that are for the highest good for the most people. Well, that is what it is supposed to be anyways.
2006-12-18 15:54:26 · answer #5 · answered by Medusa 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I absolutely believe this..well I think our moral and legal foundation can be set on reasonable justifications for right and wrong. Even if everything is relative I still believe that things can be reasonable and appease the majority.
2006-12-18 15:52:18 · answer #6 · answered by goldengirl 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well I don't know about anyone else, but around my house this time of year everything is Relatives. And believe me they better know right form wrong or else they get a time out. Maybe society should try that.
2006-12-18 15:54:37 · answer #7 · answered by Nora Explora 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
you haven't pronounced your faith .As all of us recognize that in muslims those style of marriages are in vogue and fully criminal.as far as i'm worried there could no longer be any worried legally no matter if you're a hindu. the sturdy element on your case that you adore one yet another and she or he isn't any longer very on the point of you by technique of blood relatives .yet pricey buddy we stay in a rustic the position our dignity ,subculture and beliefs are more beneficial powerful than our ideas .Society received't assist you so be able to strive against adverse to them . in case you rather love her than it is going to no longer be a difficulty . Love is continuously a difficult activity . history proves it . get waiting to be the soreness in *** of your household and society besides .in my opinion i assist you .stick with it .in the adventure that your love is authentic for her do not hesitate to get her . Bravo !
2016-11-27 19:19:54 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. Relativism breeds apathy. Truth is not relative.
2006-12-18 15:56:22 · answer #9 · answered by sheepinarowboat 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
According to Einstein's special theory of relativity, everything is relative, in a cosmic sort of way.
2006-12-18 16:01:05 · answer #10 · answered by =_= 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋