The Universal and Absolute Nature of Moral Principles: A Challenge to Moral Relativism
Introduction
The debate between moral relativism and moral absolutism has been an ongoing topic in philosophy for centuries. Moral relativism posits that morality is subjective, varying from person to person or culture to culture, while moral absolutism asserts the existence of universal, objective moral principles. This article will argue against moral relativism by highlighting its flawed premise and emphasizing the universal and absolute nature of moral principles. Moreover, it will explore how pride drives individuals to reject the idea of a divine moral lawgiver.
Understanding Moral Relativism
Moral relativism posits that there are no universally valid moral standards, as morality is considered relative to the norms, customs, or beliefs of an individual or group. This perspective denies the existence of objective moral truths and asserts that moral judgments are merely personal preferences or cultural constructs.
Proponents of moral relativism argue that since different cultures have different moral practices, it follows that there can be no universal moral principles. They also maintain that asserting a single, absolute morality is arrogant, as it assumes one’s own culture or perspective to be superior to others'.
The Flaws in Moral Relativism
Despite its seeming tolerance and open-mindedness, moral relativism suffers from several logical flaws.
- Self-contradiction: If moral relativism claims that all moral perspectives are equally valid, then it also validates the viewpoint of moral absolutists who assert the existence of universal moral principles. This contradictory stance undermines the coherence of moral relativism.
- Inability to critique injustice: Moral relativism cannot provide a principled basis for critiquing injustices or human rights abuses in other cultures since it denies the possibility of objective moral standards.
The Universal and Absolute Nature of Moral Principles
Moral absolutism, on the other hand, holds that certain moral principles are universally valid, regardless of personal beliefs or cultural contexts. These principles are grounded in the nature of humanity itself and apply to all rational beings.
Evidence for Moral Absolutism
There is considerable evidence supporting the existence of universal moral principles:
- Cross-cultural moral similarities: Despite variations across cultures, many share core moral values such as prohibitions against murder, theft, or lying.
- Universal human rights: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) asserts that certain rights apply to all humans universally.
The Role of Pride in Rejecting a Divine Moral Lawgiver
Moral relativism’s flawed premise may often be driven by pride. When individuals insist on the subjectivity of morality, they are effectively asserting their autonomy over any higher moral authority. By rejecting the existence of absolute moral truths and divine lawgivers, people can avoid feeling accountable to an external moral standard.
Evidence for Pride as a Motivating Factor
Prominent atheist thinkers such as Richard Dawkins or Christopher Hitchens often express disdain towards religious belief, viewing it as irrational or intellectually dishonest. This attitude reflects a sense of intellectual superiority and prideful dismissal of the possibility of divine moral lawgivers.
Conclusion
Moral relativism’s flawed premise neglects the universal and absolute nature of moral principles. The evidence supporting moral absolutism shows that objective moral truths exist, grounded in human nature and universally shared values. Furthermore, pride may often drive individuals to assert their moral autonomy by rejecting a divine moral lawgiver. By critically examining these issues, we can better understand the importance of acknowledging the existence of universal moral principles and reconsider our assumptions about the relationship between morality and religious belief.
References
- Gert, Bernard. Morality: Its Nature and Justification. Oxford University Press, 1995.
- Hitchens, Christopher. God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything. Hachette UK, 2007.
- Dawkins, Richard. The God Delusion. Mariner Books, 2008.
Keywords
moral relativism, moral absolutism, universal moral principles, pride, divine moral lawgiver