#Fairness: Moral Relativity versus Moral Objectivism
By Amalie Ise, a Senior at iPrep Academy
By Amalie Ise, a Senior at iPrep Academy
#Fairness is a quality “marked by impartiality and honesty: free from self-interest, prejudice, or favoritism” as stated in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. #Fairness is the idea of equal opportunity for success and prosperity. However, how do we as a society decide what is fair and just?
From the idea of #Fairness, I have learned the ideas of Moral Relativism and Moral Objectivism. According to The Basics of Philosophy, Anthropologist, Edward Westermarck, was the first to formulate a valid theory for Moral Relativism. Writer and philosopher, Ayn Rand, developed the idea of Moral Objectivism. Moral Relativism is the belief that there are no “absolute rights” to decide whether something is right or wrong. It can be influenced by opinions, social contexts, and other outside factors. Moral Objectivism is based on standards that can be applied to all people, regardless of background, religion, or feelings. |
Moral relativism Meme from ImgFlip
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Moral Relativism believes that morals are molded by society and its beliefs (not concrete) and are influenced by one’s culture. An example of this would be eating pork. A Jewish person eating pork violates the moral standards created for them by their God. However, a Christian or Catholic eating pork is acceptable to their religion. One cannot say that eating pork is wrong or right on a universal level.
Moral Objectivism is an idea that can be considered universally agreed upon. An example of this would be to not steal. Stealing is looked down upon all over the world. It can be understood that such an action would result in punishment or negative consequences. Moral Objectivism can be referred to as moral fact, because of how widespread and true the concepts are.
Moral Objectivism is an idea that can be considered universally agreed upon. An example of this would be to not steal. Stealing is looked down upon all over the world. It can be understood that such an action would result in punishment or negative consequences. Moral Objectivism can be referred to as moral fact, because of how widespread and true the concepts are.
Moral Relativity by Life, Hope, and Truth
One of the benefits of attending iPrep is the mandatory internship during junior and senior years. I have Interned at the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida for two years, and this experience has allowed me the opportunity to listen to hearings and learn about the legal process of making a decision. The United States Constitution requires the government to work under a “mandate of Moral Relativism” as stated by the Indiana Law Journal. Commentary about how this “breeds” fairness (or not?).
Eleventh Judicial Circuit Courts Logo
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One of the most obvious uses of Moral Relativism is in the workings of our Supreme Court. It is not uncommon for the Justices to have “evolved” laws to modify, refine, or override an earlier precedent. According to the Law Library- American Law and Legal Information, “...flexible approach to law, moral relativism often plays a significant role in the shaping of law and the punishment of criminals.” Zogby International decided to test this theory and experimented with 401 college seniors. The results showed that 73% of the students said they were taught that absolute values of right and wrong don’t exist! Instead, they rely on “individual values and cultural diversity”. This mindset can influence attitudes and perceptions of politicians, lawmakers, and pre-existing laws.
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Both Moral Relativism and Moral Objectivism exist in students’ everyday lives. Moral Relativism is present where some students have extra time on exams because they have an I.E.P. (individual education plan) whereas others do not. Moral Objectivism can be seen where if any student is caught cheating they will be reprimanded and given a “Z” in the grade book. There is no right or wrong way to judge a situation. But using a sense of #Fairness is essential when deciding to keep the peace.
Works Cited
Dean, Tim. “What is Moral Relativism? An Ethics Explainer by The Ethics Centre.” The Ethics Centre, 2 February 2021, https://ethics.org.au/ethics-explainer-moral-relativism/.
Dietrich, Eric. “Morality is Objective.” This View Of Life, https://thisviewoflife.com/morality-is-objective/.
Meiklejohn's, Alexander. “Is Moral Relativism a Constitutional Command?” Indiana Law Journal, http://ilj.law.indiana.edu/articles/70/70_2_Gey.pdf.
“Moral Objectivism vs. Subjectivism vs. Relativism | Overview, Differences & Examples - Video & Lesson Transcript.” Study.com, 7 January 2022, https://study.com/learn/lesson/moral-objectivism-subjectivism-relativism-overview-differences-examples.html. Accessed 8 December 2022.
“Moral Relativism - By Branch / Doctrine.” The Basics of Philosophy, https://www.philosophybasics.com/branch_moral_relativism.html.
“Moral Relativism - Law, Values, Circumstances, and Individual - JRank Articles.” Law Library, https://law.jrank.org/pages/8650/Moral-Relativism.html#ixzz7mtZMWDSj.
Dean, Tim. “What is Moral Relativism? An Ethics Explainer by The Ethics Centre.” The Ethics Centre, 2 February 2021, https://ethics.org.au/ethics-explainer-moral-relativism/.
Dietrich, Eric. “Morality is Objective.” This View Of Life, https://thisviewoflife.com/morality-is-objective/.
Meiklejohn's, Alexander. “Is Moral Relativism a Constitutional Command?” Indiana Law Journal, http://ilj.law.indiana.edu/articles/70/70_2_Gey.pdf.
“Moral Objectivism vs. Subjectivism vs. Relativism | Overview, Differences & Examples - Video & Lesson Transcript.” Study.com, 7 January 2022, https://study.com/learn/lesson/moral-objectivism-subjectivism-relativism-overview-differences-examples.html. Accessed 8 December 2022.
“Moral Relativism - By Branch / Doctrine.” The Basics of Philosophy, https://www.philosophybasics.com/branch_moral_relativism.html.
“Moral Relativism - Law, Values, Circumstances, and Individual - JRank Articles.” Law Library, https://law.jrank.org/pages/8650/Moral-Relativism.html#ixzz7mtZMWDSj.