Ethical relativism states that morality is based on what a society or culture believes is right. An ethical relativist believes that what is moral in one culture or country may not be moral in another if they have differing values. As such, one really can’t criticize how another culture or segment of society lives. There is not one moral code or standard that applies to all under this theory. In fact, the only criteria for deciding if an action are immoral or not are if the culture dictates it to be so. Ethical relativist Albert Carr states that business is, in a sense, its own culture and decides its own morality.
Ethical relativism is correct about the differences in our societies and cultures. For example, in Saudi Arabia, women are …show more content…
As every society has its own values and ideals, criticizing these morals would be seen as an offense against the society and its people. This can be dangerous, as actions such as murder or rape can be viewed as morally correct using ethical relativism and culture as a cover. For example, a few religious sects and countries practice what is known as honor killings. These involve the murder of a person, more often than not, a woman, for committing what that society views as an immoral acts. Honor killings can occur for reasons such as brining shame to the family, being the victim of rape, and having premarital sex. Since these actions are right for this culture, an ethical relativist would argue they are moral as a whole for that …show more content…
The action that brings on the greatest amount of happiness while delivering the least amount of pain or discomfort is the morally correct action. While making a decision about morality, a utilitarianist must take into account not only how much good their decision will do, but how much pain it may bring as well. They must also understand that all people feel said pain and pleasure differently. For example, an employee of the landscaping business may feel that they are making enough money to keep themselves happy whereas their coworker with a family may feel misery at the low income they are
Ethical relativism is correct about the differences in our societies and cultures. For example, in Saudi Arabia, women are …show more content…
As every society has its own values and ideals, criticizing these morals would be seen as an offense against the society and its people. This can be dangerous, as actions such as murder or rape can be viewed as morally correct using ethical relativism and culture as a cover. For example, a few religious sects and countries practice what is known as honor killings. These involve the murder of a person, more often than not, a woman, for committing what that society views as an immoral acts. Honor killings can occur for reasons such as brining shame to the family, being the victim of rape, and having premarital sex. Since these actions are right for this culture, an ethical relativist would argue they are moral as a whole for that …show more content…
The action that brings on the greatest amount of happiness while delivering the least amount of pain or discomfort is the morally correct action. While making a decision about morality, a utilitarianist must take into account not only how much good their decision will do, but how much pain it may bring as well. They must also understand that all people feel said pain and pleasure differently. For example, an employee of the landscaping business may feel that they are making enough money to keep themselves happy whereas their coworker with a family may feel misery at the low income they are