Relativism and Morality

Running Head: RELATIVISM AND MORALITY



Relativism and Morality
Relativism is defined as “any theory holding that criteria of judgment are relative, varying with individuals and their environments’” (Relativism, 2013).   Relativism is viewed as each culture having the right to choose the own definitions of what is right and/or wrong. After reviewing, Lenn E. Goodman’s article, “Some Moral Minima”, outlines Goodman’s point of view by singling out a few areas stating, “where I think human deserts are irrefragable — not because these deserts are never questioned or breached in practice, but because they never should be."   (Goodman, 2010).

In further review of Goodman’s article, the evidence of Goodman’s main retrospect is anything that subjects another individual, group or interferes with another’s views of themselves or capabilities to lead a successful, happy, active life. In this analysis of Goodman’s article, “Some Moral Minima”, will discuss several aspects of Goodman’s List of Infractions; such as: “(1) genocide, politically induced famine, and germ warfare; (2) terrorism, hostage taking, and child warriors; (3) slavery, polygamy, and incest; and (4) rape and female genital cutting.”   (Goodman, 2010)
Review
Goodman authored “Some Moral Minima” article to outline and classify specific moral that should be considered as socially universal among different societies. Throughout Goodman’s article, he makes valuable points; however, in examining his work he misses that; values, morals and traditions are not universal, that is what makes us diverse. Although in even a majority of societies, Goodman’s List of Infractions are frowned upon and would seem they should be universal; on the other hand, ethics are in the “eye of the beholder”. They are subjective and relative to their own culture and current situation. In short, Goodman’s views are great; however, to broad for universal use.
Genocide and Warfare
Goodman states that “all living beings makes...