Subjective approach to morality which tries to predict the consequences of an action as a means of determining right and wrong.
In relativism there are no absolute rules.
Relativism clearly reflects opinion of the people concerned. If enough people think that a course of action is right and acceptable then it may well become the norm.
Example relationships Marriage versus living together.
50 years ago in the UK unmarried men and women would not have lived together
Today it is socially acceptable to have a partner of either sex.
Fixed ideas, definite principles such as the ten commandments or laws have no place in relativism.
Decisions about right and wrong may differ from one culture to another.
Example marriage in Europe is between one man and one woman, anything else is regarded as bigamy.
In Muslim countries one man may have up to three wives.
Under relativism, both of these decisions could be acceptable
This is an example of cultural relativism.
Ethical theories which reflect relativism
Utilitarianism
Bentham’s version of Utilitarianism is based in the principle of maximising happiness and avoiding pain.
Subject to certain safeguards now described as the Hedonic calculus. It is the assumed outcome of an action which determines whether the action is right or wrong
JS Mill had a variation of this which essentially is a relativist ethic. He felt that the outcome of some actions were more worthy than others and spoke of higher and lower principles. Even so these might be subject to change over a period of time.
Situation Ethics
Once again the outcome of the action is what determines whether something is right or wrong. Here the decision is based on agape and asks the question “What is the most loving thing to do?”
Situation Ethics was outlined by Joseph Fletcher an Anglican priest who was reacting against the rigid absolutist principles of Roman Catholicism.
