Table of ContentsWhat is Ethical RelativismRationale for Ethical RelativismObjections to RelativismIn ethics, ethical relativism is one of the most controversial topics. In fact, many well-known ethicists reject and completely neglect this theory. They believe that although the moral practices of societies may differ, the fundamental moral principles underlying those practices simply do not. These core moral values ​​are also known as universal moral standards. Take the example of slavery. No matter how different a society may be, slavery remains morally wrong. However, those who believe in the theory of ethical relativism will disagree. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay What is Ethical Relativism Ethical relativism is the theory that morality can differ depending on the culture of a given society. Whether an action is considered good or bad depends entirely on what is acceptable in one's society. Thus, what may be immoral in one society may be moral in another. In ethical relativism, there are no universal moral standards, because moral standards will not always be the same. The only moral standards that matter to followers of this ethical theory are the moral standards based on their culture. Take slavery as an example, slavery directly conflicts with one of the universal moral standards. “The Golden Rule” which represents the morality taken into consideration when, among other things, respect and care for others. Slavery violates this rule on all levels, but we can still see it in countries like Mauritania, a country in North Africa. Slavery is deeply ingrained in the structure of this society, with around half a million Mauritanians enslaved, or around 20 percent of the population. The theory of ethical relativism would not recognize this as a problem but as a norm in their society. Rationale for Ethical Relativism Those who believe in this theory refute their beliefs in several distinct ways. An example given to support ethical relativism is the persistence of moral disagreements. Many sociologists have emphasized the fact that individuals and sometimes entire societies sometimes disagree on moral issues. Ethical relativists conclude that the moral principles of good and evil are essentially relative. Which in turn strengthens their argument that morality is not objective. For example, in a disagreement between two parties, one party approves of an idea and the other disapproves of the same idea. Both sides contradict each other because both sides cannot be right. The only way to resolve the situation is to find out which party is wrong and if both parties maintain their beliefs, the problem cannot be resolved. Looking at this problem from the perspective of relativists, there are two answers and both answers are yes. Another argument frequently used to support ethical relativism is cultural tolerance. Relativists believe that they are more tolerant of others and their cultures. Being tolerant of such things can prove to be very beneficial to a society, especially if it is a multicultural society. Since the average relativist believes that his moral beliefs are no more true than those of others, he believes he can tolerate different cultures like no one else. Cultural intolerance has been at the root of many of history's darkest moments. One of these moments was.