Moral Relativism and Normative Ethics - 717 Words

Moral Relativism and Normative Ethics Normative ethics encompasses the study of moral standards that regulate right and wrong conduct. British philosopher W.D. Ross emphasizes prima facie duties. Ross argues that our duties are part of the fundamental nature of the universe. Ross claims his list of duties reflects our actual moral convictions. They are 1) fidelity - the duty to keep our promises, 2) reparation - the duty to compensate others when we harm them, 3) gratitude - the duty to thank those who help us, 4) justice - the duty to recognize merit, 5) beneficence - the duty to improve the conditions of others, 6) self-improvement - the duty to improve our virtue and intelligence, and 7) non-malfeasance the duty not to injure others (Skelton, 2010). I believe this means we have a moral obligation to do no further harm to others while we better ourselves. The problem is that in todays society a pervasive sense of moral relativism seems to prevail. This is the belief that most often is associated with an empirical thesis that there are deep and widespread moral disagreements and a meta-ethical thesis that the truth or justification of moral judgments is not absolute, but relative to some group of persons (Gowans, 2012). This belief in moral diversity leads to the conclusion that there are no absolutes and therefore personal conduct is subjective. In other words do not judge me and I will not judge you, all moral values are not equal or relatively valid or anything ofShow MoreRelatedETHICAL (MORAL) RELATIVISM Essay1022 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿RUNNING HEADING: ETHICAL (MORAL) RELATIVISM Ethical (Moral) Relativism Exploring Kohlberg’s stance on Ethical Relativism JebbehG Ethics in Contemporary Society | PHI101 A01 July 17, 2013 Introduction Presently, Americans are comfortable relating ethics to individuality. Often times, American citizens expresses their right of freedoms to enhance their own sense of ethics or relativity. 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