Transcript Different cultures express different moral codes of conduct. King

Two ethical systems
LO: I will know about Absolutism and Relativism
I will evaluate Relativism
Recap: What is Ethics?
Starter question: Define “good” and “bad.” How do
we know if something is good or bad?
Comprehension Task!

Read through the handout
◦ KEY QUESTION: Explain what is Absolutism
and Relativism?
 Tips: Read the information, and rewrite,
summarising into your own words what you have
read.
 Mentioning real life examples will help
 If there are any words that you don’t know, look
them up in a dictionary.
 Don’t just mindlessly copy! Understanding is crucial!
Definitions to copy …
• ABSOLUTISM
is a rule that is true in all
situations. E.g. Killing is wrong.
•RELATIVISM
is a judgement that depends on
the circumstances.There is no universal right
or wrong. E.g. Polygamy is acceptable in other
cultures but not in the UK.
Relativism unpacked – Two forms …

Subjectivism: Each persons values are relative to
the person. It is a matter of taste.  Individual

Cultural Relativism: What is right or wrong
depends on the culture. Moral rules are
expressions of the culture.  Corporate
Key word: RELATIVE means to
consider something in relation
to, or in proportion to
something else.
CULTURAL RELATIVISM: Different cultures
express different moral codes of conduct.

King Darius (of Persia 521-486 BCE) observed
that while certain Greeks burnt the bodies of
their fathers, a different people called the
Callations (Asian tribal people) ate the bodies of
their fathers. He brought the two groups
together and asked each how much he would
have to pay them to adopt the practice of the
other. In both cases, the groups were outraged at
the suggestion and refused to follow the practice
of the other for any amount of money. What was
right for one tribe was wrong for the other.
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do”

This view also promotes the idea that Objectivity is a
myth. J. L MACKIE sees the existence of diverse
ethical values expressed in different times and
cultures as evidence that no moral absolutes exist.

J L Mackie also argues that the society in which we
live in shapes our moral beliefs, rather than our moral
beliefs shaping society.
Your response to relativism
What do you think of Relativism?
Evaluate Relativism

Using Bowie books, pg 17-18, spend some time reading
and making a list of what the strengths and weaknesses
are.You are to focus on Relativism only at this stage.

HOMEWORK: Read dialogue article, ‘Are Values
Relative to Culture?’ and make additional notes on the
strengths and weaknesses of Cultural Relativism.
We will begin next lesson with a discussion on what’s
good and bad about this system of ethics.
Plenary

3–3–1