Moral absolutism is the meta-ethical view that certain actions are absolutely right or wrong, devoid of the context of the act. Thus lying, for instance, might be considered to be always immoral, even if done to promote some other good (e.g., saving a life). Moral absolutism stands in contrast to categories of ethical theories such as consequentialism and situational ethics, which holds that the morality of an act depends on the consequences or the context of the act.
Ethical theories which place strong emphasis on rights, such as the deontological ethics of Immanuel Kant, are often forms of moral absolutism, as are many religious moral codes, particularly those of the Abrahamic religions.
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Moral absolutism and moral universalism
Moral absolutism should not be confused with moral universalism (also variously called moral objectivism, moderate moral realism, or minimalist moral realism), which holds that the same things are right and wrong for all similarly-situated people, regardless of anyone's opinions, though not necessarily regardless of context. Moral universalism is in turn opposed to moral relativism (which holds that moral truths are relative to social, cultural, historical or personal preferences), and to moral nihilism (which holds that nothing is right or wrong in any sense at all).
L.P. Pojman gives the following definitions to distinguish the two positions:[1]
- "Moral absolutism: There is at least one principle that ought never to be violated."
- "Moral objectivism: There is a fact of the matter as to whether any given action is morally permissible or impermissible: a fact of the matter that does not depend solely on social custom or individual acceptance."
Moral absolutism and religion
Moral absolutism may be understood in a strictly secular context, as in many forms of deontological moral rationalism. However, many religions have morally absolutist positions as well, regarding their system of morality as deriving from the commands of a god. Therefore, they regard such a moral system as absolute, (usually) perfect, and unchangeable. Many secular philosophies also take a morally absolutist stance, arguing that absolute laws of morality are inherent in the nature of human beings, the nature of life in general, or the universe itself. For example, someone who believes absolutely in nonviolence considers it wrong to use violence even in self-defense. For another example, under some religious moral absolutist beliefs, homosexual behavior is considered fundamentally wrong, even in a consensual relationship.
The historical character of religious belief is seen by some[2][Need quotation on talk to verify] as grounds for criticism of religious moral absolutism. On the other hand, the fact that some moral changes, such as from permitting slavery to prohibiting it,[3] apparently are "progress", is seen by others as evidence for absolutism, not necessarily religious. This can be a criticism of certain religions who abide by such rules.
See also
- Antinomianism
- Divine command theory
- Ethics
- Kantianism
- Morality
- Moral realism
- Moral universalism
- Moral dilemma
Notes
- ^ Pojman, L. P. : A Defense of Ethical Objectivism (p. 50)
- ^ The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason. Sam Harris. W. W. Norton
- ^ In Deuteronomy 15:12-15, Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 4:1, and I Timothy 6:1-2, the Bible recognizes and regulates the practice of keeping slaves. These passages have been historically interpreted as providing an endorsement of slavery.
External links
- [1]Christ in Creation and Ethical Monism; by Augustus Hopkins Strong, 1899.
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