what is a relativist

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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10-03-2025

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Relativism, in its broadest sense, is the idea that truth and morality are not absolute but depend on the context in which they are considered. A relativist, therefore, believes that there are no universally valid moral principles or objective truths. Instead, they believe that these principles are relative to specific individuals, cultures, or historical periods. This concept is far more nuanced than a simple "anything goes" philosophy, however. Let's delve deeper into the different types of relativism and what they entail.

Types of Relativism: Moral and Cultural

The most common forms of relativism are moral relativism and cultural relativism:

1. Moral Relativism: This asserts that there are no universally valid moral principles. What is considered morally right or wrong varies from person to person or group to group. For a moral relativist, judging the actions of another culture based on one's own moral framework is inappropriate. There's no single, objective standard against which to measure them. This doesn't necessarily mean that all actions are equally acceptable; rather, it suggests that moral judgments are context-dependent.

2. Cultural Relativism: This focuses on the cultural context of morality. Cultural relativists argue that moral beliefs and practices are shaped by the culture in which they are embedded. Understanding a culture's moral code requires understanding its history, social structures, and values. Judging another culture's morality based on one's own cultural standards is deemed ethnocentric and potentially harmful. They emphasize respecting the diversity of moral viewpoints across different societies.

Understanding the Nuances: Not Just Subjectivity

It's important to distinguish relativism from simple subjectivism. Subjectivism claims that morality is entirely dependent on individual opinion; whatever someone believes is right is, for them, right. Relativism, while acknowledging individual and cultural differences, often implies a more structured approach. It suggests that moral beliefs are not simply random; they are shaped by social contexts, traditions, and beliefs within a group or culture.

For example, the concept of arranged marriages might be viewed negatively by individuals from cultures that prioritize romantic love as the basis for marriage. A cultural relativist would not necessarily condone or condemn the practice but would strive to understand it within its own cultural context, recognizing that the values underpinning it are different from their own. A moral relativist would likewise avoid imposing their own moral judgment on the practice.

Criticisms of Relativism

Relativism has faced significant criticism. Some argue that:

• It leads to moral paralysis: If all moral judgments are relative, then it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to condemn any action, even those considered universally horrific, like genocide.
• It undermines cross-cultural understanding: While aiming for tolerance, it could ironically hinder efforts to identify and address common moral concerns across cultures. Shared values, even if differently expressed, could be overlooked.
• It's logically inconsistent: The very statement "all moral truths are relative" could be seen as a claim to an absolute truth, creating a self-contradictory position.

The Value of Understanding Relativism

Despite its criticisms, understanding relativism is crucial for fostering cross-cultural dialogue and tolerance. By acknowledging the diverse ways in which morality is understood and practiced across the globe, we can engage in more respectful and productive conversations about ethical issues. Relativism encourages critical thinking about our own moral assumptions and promotes a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human values. It pushes us to understand the "why" behind different moral viewpoints, rather than simply judging them by our own standards. The goal isn't to abandon all moral judgment, but to understand and engage with those judgments more thoughtfully and empathetically.