Moral absolutism
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Moral absolutism is an ethical view that some (potentially all) actions are intrinsically right or wrong, regardless of context or consequence.
Comparison with other ethical theories
Moral absolutism is not the same as moral universalism. Universalism holds merely that what is right or wrong is independent of custom or opinion (as opposed to moral relativism),[1] but not necessarily that what is right or wrong is independent of context or consequences (as in absolutism). Louis Pojman gives the following definitions to distinguish the two positions of moral absolutism and objectivism:[2]
- 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.
Ethical theories which place strong emphasis on
Religion
One can adhere to moral absolutism in a strictly secular context, exemplified by the many variations of deontological moral rationalism. However, many religions, especially ones which define divine commandments, also adhere to moral absolutist positions. Therefore, to followers of such religions, the moral system is absolute, perfect and unchanging. Some secular philosophies, borrowing from religion, also take a morally absolutist position, asserting that the absolute laws of morality are inherent in the nature of people, the nature of life in general, or the Universe itself.[citation needed] For example, someone who absolutely believes in non-violence considers it wrong to use violence even in self-defense.
See also
- Authoritarianism
- Deontological ethics
- Formalism (philosophy)
- Fundamentalism
- Graded absolutism
- Legalism (theology)
- Literalism (disambiguation)
- Moral dilemma
- Natural law
- Paternalism
- Ritualism
Notes
- ^ "Moral Absolutism". Ethics Unwrapped. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
- ^ Pojman, L. P. A Defense of Ethical Objectivism (p. 50).
- ^ Aquinas & c. 1265–1274, 2a2ae 57.2.
- ^ Aquinas & c. 1265–1274, 2a1ae 94.5.
- ^ Aquinas & c. 1265–1274, 1a2ae 100.8.