Transcript Absolute and Relative Morality

Absolute and Relative
Morality
Aim: To know the
meanings of absolute and
relative morality and
some ways they can be
applied.
Is it right for a
woman to have an
abortion?
Should anyone
ever cheat on
their partner?
Should people
always be treated
as equals?
Should we help
people who are
starving in other
countries?
Is it ever right to
go to war?
If you answered…
 Mostly
Yes or No – ABSOLUTE
Morality
 Mostly “It depends” –
RELATIVE Morality
Write down these definitions…
and test your brains!
Absolute morality is th blif tht if an actn is
rght or wrng, it is ALWYS rght or wrng no
mttr wht th crcmstnces. Abslut mralists keep
to thr prncpls rgrdlss of th cnsqunces of actns
or chces thy make.
Relative morality is th blif tht an actn can
smtms b wrng bt in othr crcmstnces it may b
rght. Relatve mralists wld tk indvdual
crcmstnces into accnt in evry case.
Absolute
or
relative?
Absolute and Relative Viewpoints
Any viewpoint, religious, philosophical ,or
otherwise, can be either absolute or relative:
Absolute
Some
things are always right
and others are always wrong
Moral rules would be stuck
to, regardless of
consequences
E.g. if it is ‘wrong to lie’ you
would always be honest, even
if it hurt someone’s feelings or
got you into trouble.
Relative
Each
situation is different, so
should be handled differently.
Moral rules are a guide to be
interpreted.
E.g. If it is ‘wrong to lie’ then
you would be honest most of
the time, but might tell a ‘white
lie’ if it would make someone
feel better and cause no real
harm.