Individual moral relativism is the view that acts done by an individual are considered right or wrong depending on the individuals themselves (Gowans, 2004). It is based on the premise that the diversity in people’s views, values, goals and even ideas brings about differences in identifying whether an action is right or wrong. This theory has the following strengths; takes circumstances into account, flexibility in that it allows for change and development, it is focused on people hence giving them responsibility for their actions and generally ensures people avoid moral conflict. On the other hand, this theory has weaknesses such as people being morally infallible since they determine the morality of their own actions; it is not based on sound reason, there is no moral distinction between the actions and is usually confused with tolerance.
Cultural moral relativism is the view that acts done by an individual are considered right or wrong if it conforms to cultural norms of the society. Here, the majority opinion decides whether an action is morally right or wrong. This relativism advocates for conformity. In this theory, different social contexts require different moral guidelines and this is one of the major strengths. It also allows for different cultural practices since it is seen as arrogance when judging another society. It also requires little understanding in order for fair judgments. Its weaknesses stand out in that it does not explain how the moral guidelines are determined or even account for its evolution in time and space. In addition, the existence of acceptable practices does not necessarily imply that all are acceptable, it is based on history as opposed to reason and diversity in moral views in a society does not imply that morality is relative to culture; all serve as implications of this theory.
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I totally agree with Lawrence Kohlberg’s view of cultural relativists as people stuck in the conventional stage of ethical development. Kohlberg defined the conventional stage as where the judgement of morality of an action is based on comparison to the views and expectations of the society (Snarey, 1985). Normally the society determines the principles guiding right and wrong. Cultural relativists are usually conformers to majority opinion. Individuals obey rules and norms set by the society at times regardless of its appropriateness or fairness. There is a deep desire in individuals to maintain rule and authority as this is believed to bring about a functioning society.
I agree that moral relativism is often caused due to the diversity of persons. Differences in views, beliefs, goals, practices can bring about different outcomes in determining if an action is right or wrong. I however disagree with thoughts on individual relativism, which advocates for people deciding by themselves whether their actions are right or wrong. It means that people become morally infallible since they agree to disagree in order to avoid conflict. This individual relativism may at times not recognize the importance of values as a component in evaluating whether an action is right or wrong.
There was a time I had a family emergency where I was required to foot pressing medical bills. My sister had been very ill suffering from food poisoning at school and required immediate medical attention. I did not have the required amount to settle the ambulance expenses at that moment. Since I worked as the finance assistant, I had explicit access to the petty cash. There was more than enough money to help me sort out the medical bills and ensure that my sister got the best medical care. This was my moral dilemma. Whether to take some money out of the company’s petty cash and use it to help my sister get medial attention.
I decided not to take money from the company’s petty cash. My moral decision-making was based on the fourth stage identified by Kohlberg, law and order. I acted solely on the premise that taking money out of the petty cash would be stealing which is prohibited under law. This understanding guided my decision-making.
References
Gowans, C. (2004). Moral relativism.
Snarey, J. R. (1985). Cross-cultural universality of social-moral development: a critical review of Kohlbergian research. Psychological bulletin , 97 (2), 202.
