Ethical Relativism

Ethical Relativism

 Ethics …. ??
 Ethical Relativism:
 The thesis states that there is no single moral/cultural standards which is applicable to all people.
 Absolutism and Relativism.

 Basis on which ethical relativism is categorized

 Subjective claims – Matter of Taste
 Inter –Subjective Claims – Matter of Custom
 Objective Claims – Matter of Facts

 Classic ethical conflicts

 Short Term Vs Long Term , Principle Vs Expediency
 Self interest Vs Others , Conflicting Loyalties
 Ethical Relativism can be false

 The theory produces unacceptable conclusions.

 EX : Just because two people have different moral beliefs doesn’t mean they’re both
right
 The theory must be false because it contradicts itself
 Consider the statement: “There are no absolute truths.”
 Applying the theory to itself then –
 Is it ethical for someone who believes in ethical relativism to advocate
ethical relativism?
 Examples

The Ethics of Accounting

 Price water house Coopers (PwC)
Ethical issue with respect to Espionage
 Canada Govt vs foreign Scientist
Ethical Issues In Translating
 Language Translator for a Russian Ambassador in Indian conference.
Ethics in Media
 Examples

Ethical issue in Outsourcing.

 Obama’s visit to India

Moral Consumerism - Buying Ethically Created

Merchandise
 Eg: PETA
 Examples

 Consumer Safety.

 Labor Relations.

 Whistle Blowing (Information, Accusation, Dissent)