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Moral relativism posits that moral judgments are universally absolute and unchanging across all cultures and individuals.
Answer: False
Moral relativism fundamentally asserts that moral judgments are not universally absolute but are instead dependent on cultural, societal, or individual perspectives, directly contradicting the idea of unchanging, universal moral truths.
Moral relativism and ethical subjectivism are identical concepts, both stating morality is relative to individual minds.
Answer: False
Moral relativism is distinct from ethical subjectivism; while subjectivism posits that moral truth depends on individual minds, moral relativism asserts that moral judgments are relative to individuals or groups.
Moral relativism is fundamentally incompatible with moral realism, as realism requires objective, universal moral facts.
Answer: False
Moral relativism is not necessarily incompatible with moral realism; a relativist might accept the truth-aptness and objective existence of context-dependent moral facts, depending on the specific formulation of their position.
Which philosophical stance suggests that morality is not absolute but varies depending on context, and is also known as ethical relativism?
Answer: Moral relativism
Moral relativism, also known as ethical relativism, is the philosophical stance that morality is not absolute but varies depending on context, such as cultural or individual perspectives.
How does moral relativism differ from ethical subjectivism according to the source?
Answer: Subjectivism posits truth depends on mind-independent factors, while relativism asserts moral judgments are relative to individuals or groups.
The source distinguishes moral relativism from ethical subjectivism by stating that subjectivism posits moral truth depends on mind-independent factors, whereas moral relativism asserts that moral judgments are relative to individuals or groups.
Descriptive moral relativism is concerned with whether moral disagreements *should* exist.
Answer: False
Descriptive moral relativism is concerned with observing and reporting the existence of differing moral standards across cultures or groups, not with whether these disagreements ought to exist.
Meta-ethical moral relativism suggests that the truth value of moral judgments is dependent on the context of their use.
Answer: True
Meta-ethical moral relativism posits that moral judgments are not universally true but are relative to specific contexts, such as cultural norms or individual beliefs, implying that their truth value is context-dependent.
Normative moral relativism asserts that individuals should always adhere strictly to their own society's moral code, regardless of external perspectives.
Answer: False
Normative moral relativism typically advocates for tolerance of differing moral codes, rather than strict adherence to one's own code irrespective of external viewpoints.
The three main variations of moral relativism (descriptive, meta-ethical, normative) are inherently linked and cannot be held independently.
Answer: False
The three main variations of moral relativism—descriptive, meta-ethical, and normative—are distinct philosophical positions that can be adopted independently of one another.
What is the primary characteristic of descriptive moral relativism?
Answer: It observes differing moral standards across groups without making evaluative judgments.
Descriptive moral relativism's primary characteristic is its observational stance, noting the existence of diverse moral standards across different groups without passing judgment on their validity.
How does meta-ethical moral relativism distinguish itself from descriptive moral relativism?
Answer: By proposing that moral judgments contain an indexical element, making their truth value context-dependent.
Meta-ethical moral relativism distinguishes itself by asserting that moral judgments possess an indexical quality, meaning their truth value is contingent upon the specific context of their use, unlike descriptive relativism which merely observes differences.
What is the core principle of normative moral relativism?
Answer: Tolerance for the behavior of others is a moral imperative, especially when universal standards are lacking.
The core principle of normative moral relativism is that tolerance towards the behavior of others is a moral imperative, particularly in situations where universally accepted moral standards are absent.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three main variations of moral relativism mentioned in the source?
Answer: Existential moral relativism
The source explicitly mentions descriptive, meta-ethical, and normative moral relativism as the three main variations; existential moral relativism is not listed among them.
The statement 'Moral judgments contain an indexical element, meaning their truth value is dependent on the context of their use' best describes which concept?
Answer: Meta-ethical moral relativism
The concept described by the statement that moral judgments contain an indexical element, making their truth value context-dependent, is meta-ethical moral relativism.
Arguments related to moral relativism have only recently emerged in philosophical discourse.
Answer: False
Discussions and arguments concerning moral relativism have a long history, dating back to ancient Greek philosophers like Protagoras and continuing through various philosophical eras.
Protagoras, an ancient Greek philosopher, is associated with the idea that 'man is the measure of all things,' implying a relativistic view of values.
Answer: True
The ancient Greek philosopher Protagoras is known for the assertion that 'man is the measure of all things,' which implies a subjective or relative standard for truth and values.
Sextus Empiricus and the Pyrrhonist philosophers argued for the existence of objective, universally discoverable moral truths.
Answer: False
Sextus Empiricus and the Pyrrhonist philosophers questioned the existence of objective morality, advocating for the suspension of judgment on moral claims, aligning with a non-absolutist view.
Baruch Spinoza believed that certain actions were inherently evil, regardless of perception.
Answer: False
Baruch Spinoza held that nothing is inherently good or evil; rather, moral qualities are attributed based on human perception or convention, not as intrinsic properties of actions.
David Hume distinguished between matters of fact and matters of value, suggesting moral judgments stem from sentiments rather than verifiable facts.
Answer: True
David Hume distinguished between matters of fact and matters of value, proposing that moral judgments arise from sentiments and passions rather than objective, verifiable facts.
The 'is-ought problem,' associated with David Hume, challenges the derivation of prescriptive statements ('ought') from descriptive statements ('is').
Answer: True
The 'is-ought problem,' articulated by David Hume, questions the logical derivation of prescriptive statements ('ought') from descriptive statements ('is'), a concept relevant to understanding the basis of moral claims.
Which ancient Greek philosopher is associated with the idea that 'man is the measure of all things,' implying a relativistic view of values?
Answer: Protagoras
Protagoras, an ancient Greek philosopher, is associated with the assertion 'man is the measure of all things,' which implies a relativistic perspective on values and truth.
Sextus Empiricus and the Pyrrhonist philosophers engaged with morality by:
Answer: Questioning the existence of objective morality and suspending judgment.
Sextus Empiricus and the Pyrrhonist philosophers engaged with morality by questioning the existence of objective moral truths and advocating for the suspension of judgment on such claims.
Baruch Spinoza's view on good and evil suggests that these qualities are:
Answer: Attributed based on human perception or convention, not inherent.
Baruch Spinoza viewed good and evil not as inherent qualities of actions but as attributes assigned based on human perception or convention.
David Hume's contribution to ethical thought, relevant to relativism, included distinguishing between:
Answer: Matters of fact and matters of value, suggesting morality stems from sentiments.
David Hume distinguished between matters of fact and matters of value, proposing that moral judgments originate from sentiments and passions rather than verifiable facts.
The 'is-ought problem,' associated with David Hume, challenges the derivation of:
Answer: Prescriptive statements ('ought') from descriptive statements ('is').
The 'is-ought problem,' attributed to David Hume, challenges the logical derivation of prescriptive statements ('ought') from descriptive statements ('is'), a key consideration in moral philosophy.
Ruth Benedict advised anthropologists to evaluate subjects using the standards of their own culture to ensure objective analysis.
Answer: False
Ruth Benedict cautioned against ethnocentrism, advising anthropologists to remain neutral and understand cultural practices on their own terms, rather than evaluating them by the standards of their own culture.
Edward Westermarck proposed that moral ideas originate from innate, universal intuitions.
Answer: False
Edward Westermarck rejected ethical intuitionism, proposing instead that moral ideas are subjective judgments shaped by upbringing and vary widely across societies, thus not originating from innate, universal intuitions.
Walter Terence Stace advocated for moral absolutism while arguing against universalism.
Answer: False
Walter Terence Stace argued against moral absolutism but advocated for moral universalism, believing in universal principles that guide ethical behavior.
Bhikkhu Bodhi argues that a materialistic worldview, by valuing private subjectivity, strengthens objective moral foundations.
Answer: False
Bhikkhu Bodhi argues that a materialistic worldview, by prioritizing private subjectivity, tends to undermine objective moral foundations, leading to moral degeneration.
The Jaina principle of Anekantavada is relevant to discussions of relativism because it acknowledges the multiplicity of valid perspectives.
Answer: True
The Jaina principle of Anekantavada, which posits that truth and reality are perceived differently from diverse viewpoints, aligns with relativistic thinking by acknowledging the multiplicity of valid perspectives.
According to Ruth Benedict's concept of cultural relativism, moral norms are primarily: socially constructed and vary across cultures.
Answer: True
Ruth Benedict's concept of cultural relativism posits that moral norms are socially constructed and exhibit variation across different cultures, suggesting the absence of universal moral truths.
William Graham Sumner argued in 'Folkways' that moral standards are based on innate human reason.
Answer: False
William Graham Sumner argued in 'Folkways' that moral standards are entirely shaped by cultural traditions and customs, not based on innate human reason.
Ruth Benedict cautioned against ethnocentrism, advocating for:
Answer: Remaining neutral and understanding cultural practices on their own terms.
Ruth Benedict cautioned against ethnocentrism, advocating for anthropologists to remain neutral and understand cultural practices within their own contexts.
Edward Westermarck rejected ethical intuitionism, citing which reason?
Answer: The wide variations in moral beliefs across societies.
Edward Westermarck rejected ethical intuitionism due to the observed wide variations in moral beliefs across different societies, which he saw as evidence against innate, universal moral intuitions.
Bhikkhu Bodhi expressed concern that a materialistic worldview, by valuing private subjectivity, tends to:
Answer: Undermine objective moral foundations, leading to moral degeneration.
Bhikkhu Bodhi expressed concern that a materialistic worldview, by valuing private subjectivity, tends to undermine objective moral foundations, potentially leading to moral degeneration.
The Jaina principle of Anekantavada is relevant to discussions of relativism because it:
Answer: States that truth and reality are perceived differently from diverse viewpoints.
The Jaina principle of Anekantavada is relevant to relativism as it posits that truth and reality are perceived from multiple, diverse viewpoints, acknowledging the multiplicity of valid perspectives.
According to the source, William Graham Sumner's work 'Folkways' argued that moral standards are:
Answer: Entirely shaped by cultural traditions and customs.
William Graham Sumner, in 'Folkways,' argued that moral standards are entirely shaped by cultural traditions and customs, asserting that no higher moral standard exists beyond these local norms.
Walter Terence Stace, while arguing against moral absolutism, advocated for:
Answer: Moral universalism
Walter Terence Stace argued against moral absolutism but advocated for moral universalism, suggesting the existence of universal principles that guide ethical behavior.
Richard Rorty believed the term 'relativist' was a positive descriptor for philosophers who emphasized less rigid criteria for choosing between opinions.
Answer: False
Richard Rorty viewed the term 'relativist' as having become a pejorative label, suggesting that those labeled as such merely meant that criteria for choosing between philosophical opinions were less rigid, rather than claiming all ideas were equally valid.
Friedrich Nietzsche believed that moral values were absolute and should be passively accepted from societal norms.
Answer: False
Friedrich Nietzsche believed moral values were relative to one's goals and self, advocating for critical assessment and active construction of morals rather than passive acceptance of societal norms.
Nietzsche criticized Plato's emphasis on transcendent Forms and Christianity's promotion of life-affirming qualities.
Answer: False
Nietzsche criticized Plato's emphasis on transcendent Forms and Christianity's promotion of life-denying qualities, such as humility and obedience, which he viewed as detrimental to earthly existence.
The 'scientific' argument for meta-ethical relativism suggests morality is a natural phenomenon shaped by evolutionary mechanisms.
Answer: True
The scientific argument for meta-ethical relativism draws from fields like evolutionary biology and cognitive psychology, positing that morality is a natural phenomenon shaped by evolutionary mechanisms for species survival.
R. M. Hare argued that moral propositions are exempt from logical rules, allowing for simultaneous contradictory ethical judgments.
Answer: False
R. M. Hare argued that moral propositions, while not factual, are subject to logical rules and universalizability, thus preventing simultaneous contradictory ethical judgments.
Critics argue that moral relativism suffers from 'philosophical poverty' because it fails to provide a basis for resolving moral disagreements or arbitrating disputes.
Answer: True
Critics contend that moral relativism leads to 'philosophical poverty' by rejecting foundational premises for moral discourse, thereby hindering the ability to resolve disagreements or arbitrate disputes.
Ibn Warraq and Eddie Tabash suggest that meta-ethical relativists actively engage in normative moral discussions by asserting universal moral truths.
Answer: False
Ibn Warraq and Eddie Tabash suggest that meta-ethical relativists tend to withdraw from normative moral discussions, often deeming all viewpoints equally valid rather than asserting universal truths.
Simon Blackburn believes moral relativism is a functional moral system because it allows for maximum individual freedom.
Answer: False
Simon Blackburn criticizes moral relativism for its inability to function as a moral system, particularly its failure to provide a basis for arbitrating disagreements.
A criticism of moral relativism is the ease with which one can identify the single, authoritative group whose moral truths apply.
Answer: False
A significant criticism of moral relativism is the difficulty in identifying the specific, authoritative group whose moral framework should be applied, especially when individuals belong to multiple groups with conflicting values.
Roman Catholic intellectuals attribute post-war European decadence partly to the rise of moral relativism and the abandonment of traditional Christian norms.
Answer: True
Roman Catholic intellectuals have linked perceived post-war European decadence to moral relativism, arguing that the abandonment of traditional Christian norms led to societal changes and moral decline.
Moral universalists believe that objective standards exist, allowing one action to be more morally preferable than another even amidst disagreement.
Answer: True
Moral universalists contend that objective standards for moral evaluation exist, enabling the determination of preferable actions even when disagreements arise, contrasting with relativistic viewpoints.
Friedrich Nietzsche critiqued moral values by suggesting they are:
Answer: Relative to one's goals and self, and should be critically assessed.
Friedrich Nietzsche critiqued moral values, suggesting they are relative to individual goals and selfhood, and should be critically assessed rather than passively accepted.
The 'scientific' argument for meta-ethical relativism draws support from which fields?
Answer: Evolutionary biology and cognitive psychology
The 'scientific' argument for meta-ethical relativism draws support from fields such as evolutionary biology and cognitive psychology, which suggest morality is a natural phenomenon shaped by evolutionary mechanisms.
R. M. Hare criticized meta-ethical relativism by arguing that moral propositions:
Answer: Are subject to logical rules, preventing simultaneous contradictory judgments.
R. M. Hare criticized meta-ethical relativism by arguing that moral propositions, while not factual, are subject to logical rules and universalizability, thus preventing contradictory judgments.
The criticism of 'philosophical poverty' against moral relativism suggests it:
Answer: Fails to provide a basis for resolving moral disagreements or arbitrating disputes.
The criticism of 'philosophical poverty' suggests that moral relativism fails to provide a foundation for resolving moral disagreements or arbitrating disputes, potentially leading to incoherence.
According to critics like Ibn Warraq and Eddie Tabash, how does meta-ethical relativism affect participation in moral discussions?
Answer: Remove themselves from normative moral discussions or deem all viewpoints equally correct.
Critics like Ibn Warraq and Eddie Tabash argue that meta-ethical relativists tend to withdraw from normative moral discussions, often deeming all viewpoints equally correct rather than engaging in reasoned debate.
Simon Blackburn's criticism of moral relativism centers on its inability to:
Answer: Arbitrate disagreements between different moral viewpoints.
Simon Blackburn criticizes moral relativism primarily for its failure to provide a mechanism for arbitrating disagreements between differing moral viewpoints, thus hindering its function as a coherent moral system.
Roman Catholic intellectuals linked post-war European decadence to moral relativism, arguing it led to the abandonment of:
Answer: Traditional Christian norms and absolute values.
Roman Catholic intellectuals argued that post-war European decadence stemmed from moral relativism, which they contended led to the abandonment of traditional Christian norms and absolute values.
Which historical figure argued that moral values are relative to one's goals and self, and criticized Platonic and Christian morality?
Answer: Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich Nietzsche argued that moral values are relative to one's goals and self, and he criticized Platonic and Christian moral frameworks.
What is a primary criticism regarding the identification of relevant groups within moral relativism?
Answer: It is difficult to determine which specific group's moral truths are authoritative.
A primary criticism of moral relativism concerns the difficulty in identifying which specific group's moral truths are authoritative, especially given that individuals often belong to multiple groups with potentially conflicting values.