Relativism and Morality Essay

Relativism is the idea that one’s beliefs and values are understood of one’s society culture or even one’s own individual values. (Mosser, 2010). With that being said everyday a person from a culture conducts some kind of moral choice. The moral choice that he or she chooses may be viewed as right or wrong by other cultures. In this paper â€Å"some moral minima† by Lenn E. Goodman there are views of different aspects of morality and relativism and Goodman argues that certain things are just wrong. (antiessays. com). Goodman discusses issues on subjects such as slavery,genocide,terrorism,murder,rape,polygamy, and incest. I agree with Goodman on these issues because these is never a good time to kill for the sake of killing, rape for the sake of sex, or take ones rights away for the sake of gaining respect or wealth. Goodman basically discusses that every person whether it be man, woman, or child has the rights to live and be free from any and all inhumane treatment. Goodman’s main understanding is not to be quick on judging things we don’t understand, but to judge those things that are not morally right. I believe that all people are equal and have the right to live their own life as do the violators should have no rights to commit those unruly acts of wrong. Who are we to judge anyone or why should others have the right to murder, rape, or rip the rights of people away from them? The bible states, â€Å"do unto others as you would have others do unto you†. (Matthew, 7:12, Standard Version). I believe this is the best way to look at the situation on any of these issues. Some Moral Minima Based on different sociology dissertations, morality has been an issue that many societies globally have been trying to contend. This term is used to describe the code of acceptable behaviors in given context or society. On the other hand moral minima is a word that goes hand in hand with mortality. This essentially sets a standard or rather a principle by which the members of a society have to adhere to so that they may be considered to be operating within the limits of proper moral conduct. The advent of civilization has given room to various forms that moral minima can be derived. As such, morality has become an issue that is interpreted in different ways depending on the angle at which one looks or evaluates it. (Goodman,2010, p.87). Therefore, this has given rise to at least three areas where mortality is supposedly received or obtained. Firstly, morality can be considered relative to the laws of a given nation so that what the law stipulates as right then is morally upright. Secondly, morality can be said to have also been derived from religion where the various religion affiliations have their own holy books by which members are beseeched to behave in a certain manner. Finally, it is the personally source of morality. This is what has sparked a lot of controversy as is subject to millions of interpretation and understandings. Consequently, this is what I believe triggered influential philosophers like Lenn Goodman to spirited argument that there are some things, which are certainly wrong. In this regard, this study seeks to explore the credits or challenges Goodman presents in his assertions (Goodman, 2010, p. 88). Lenn Goodman argues that there are certain things that are simply wrong. Do you think Goodman is right? In Goodman argument, Goodman confirms the existence of four fundamental and universal things that fall under the category of wrong and unacceptable acts in society-moral minima. First is genocide that encompasses politically instigated famine and germ warfare. Second is the act of terrorism that also includes kidnapping and child labor force especially as warriors. Next category is polygamy that may also be extended to cover slavery and incest. Rape and female genital mutilation are also another category (Goodman, 2010, p. 89). The majority of what Goodman has outlined in her arguments in the eyes of most civilized population is regard as acts directed to deny any human beings the right to a comfortable life and as such immoral. Therefore, I believe that Goodman was extremely right to list down the ills that affect or can affect any society. (Goodman,2010 p. 90). Using specific examples, explore the challenges Goodman presents to relativism However, Goodman’s postulations have not been spared the critical thoughts of brains that’s always formulated questions to attempt and challenge facts. Considering that we live in a world where everything is subject to varied interpretations theory of relatively. Some of the Goodman’s ideas gravely contradict the customs and traditions, which have largely been acceptable in some societies. For instance, by saying that polygamy is simply wrong is quite controversial as is subject to a wide range of interpretations. Determine whether you think there are such universal moral requirements From the above instances, it becomes so clear that there is nothing like universal moral requirements. In fact, it is even exceedingly shocking to find out that even that behavior or action, which generally is wrong, is being practiced somewhere else without raising eyebrows. Let us take a case of terrorism. Evidently, human life is sacred, and every person would love to live forever. However, consider the terrorism acts that are being carried out by some Muslim extremists in the name of fulfilling religious obligation- holy Jihad (Goodman, 2010, p. 92). (www. blogspot. com) The above discussion makes me conclude that it is simply impossible to have universal moral minima. In my honest opinion I really am not sure and will never be fully sure if Goodman will be completely right forever. The way the world is constantly changing on a daily basis it’s hard to say what will happen in our future. Basically we all will have to just take it day by day. In addition, considering that no one is one hundred percent perfect it is wrong and unacceptable to stick in totality to the ideas of one person without questioning. Therefore, relativity ultimately haunts the universe as far as moral minima are concerned (Goodman, 2010, p. 93). (www. blogspot. com) REFERENCES: Mosser, K. (2010). Ethics and Social Responsi,bility. 13500 Evening Creek Drive North, Suite 600, San Diego,CA 92128: Bridgepoint Education