Philosophy-Contemporary Ethical Theory2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Philosophy-Contemporary Ethical Theory2 - Essay Example In other words, ethical relativism implies that our moral values are not absolute as they keep on changing over time. This, to some extent, brings in a sort of moral chaos due to the disintegration of a uniform culture. Critics of ethical relativism often argue that ethics is subject to rational scrutiny and hence, moral values can be either correct or incorrect. But relativism is also very much attached to ethical values. Perhaps, what is best for us is to embrace both relativism and rationality while reasoning about the moral values of ethics. The theory of ethical relativism holds that our moral values have evolved and changed over time, and that we can reason about our moral values and others’ as well as universal moral principles. While explaining the conceptualization of ethical relativism, philosophers tend to differ on describing the terms of ‘ethics’ and ‘morals’. Ethics is more about questioning the Self â€Å"What should I do?†, in other words, it is about how to live a ‘good’ life, what is the ‘meaning’ of life, what is ‘good’ for us. Morals, as Toulminian philosophy supports, is somewhat concerned about social rules and norms, the societal authoritarian notes telling us what to do or not do. Moral values are the responsibilities imposed on us by the society. These are the duties every individual ‘ought’ to do as members of the society. Moral rules are based on public appraisals of behavior that direct people to engage in or refrain from certain kinds of self-regarding behavior or action. You may get praises or face criticism for such behavior according to the acceptance or denial of your social norms. In short, ethics is more of individual interests whereas morals is for everyone, as members of society. But these rules or moral values are not absolute prescriptions to be followed steadfastly. Instead, these are rules of thumb that are sensitive to particular situations (Lafollette 146).