Moral Relativism In Military Ethics

“An Officer is a leader, a decision-maker, and as such, is regularly responsible for making ethical decisions that are not straight forwardly dictated by the generally accepted rules governing his or her office.” Part of our job as commissioned officers is to counsel, guide, and listen to our junior officers and enlisted personnel. According to this definition of an officer-“an officer is responsible for the lives of his men”-also includes the overall well being of the individual, assigned under your leadership, in time of peace and war. Assisting with decision making for others can be difficult and morally challenging. It is not appropriate or in agreement with the constitution to give personal opinions to your subordinates when they are seeking advice in a professional setting. Now, how the heck am I supposed to refrain from voicing my opinion, you ask? Moral Relativism is defined in the Ethics and the Military Profession-The Moral Foundations of Leadership book as the idea that the truth of a moral judgment of principle is dependent upon and relative to its …show more content…
We must know what is ethical, and even if there are morally challenging topics that come about, we will have the wisdom to know how to handle these situations with unbiased opinions and know it is inappropriate to give personal opinions to your subordinates, when they are seeking advice in a professional setting. I took an oath, and taking an oath is an action of the most serious nature; it can only be taken as truth and justice. I take this oath seriously, as should all chosen to be an officer. Further expressed, an oath may not be taken to support a lie, because it is deceitful. When one takes an oath and lies, he commits perjury. An oath, as in leadership, should be taken with intentions of doing your job at the best of your ability and maintain an unbiased nature when assisting