Moral relativism: Main point: Every consideration of what is right and wrong is relative to the individual making the

decision. MR obstructs constructive argumentation and deliberation. Naive relativism: Each person is to be the standard by which his or her actions are judged. The basic ideas of Naive relativism are: o 1: Moral decisions are deeply personal. If the person espousing naive relativism is prepared to face the consequences, who are we judge? o 2: Moral decisions are very serious. o When we criticize peoples moral judgement we call into question their character, integrity and worth. o 3: Moral decisions are complex: Not always crystal-clear what the consequences of a decision will be, and often as not, many unintended consequences appear as a result of a quite ordinary decision. RELATE TO RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY. o NR states that we must allow each person to interpret the situation and act on his or her own moral beliefs. o Critique: 1: Problem of justification: If we cant reason about our beliefs or what is right or wrong, since for NR its futile, we will never have a chance to improve ourselves or justify our beliefs in order to strengthen them. o Many of our choices and actions also affect others, which following NR, wouldnt allow those affected by our actions to have a say in our judgement even if they are affected. EXAMPLE: CV OR LAWS o Contrast: There cannot be any better or worse decisions since there cannot be a standard of morality. This stands in stark contrast to NRs assumption that moral decisions are deep, personal and serious. o 2: The basis for moral reasoning. o If reasoning if pointless, then so would truth claims disappear for NRists. No contracts can be signed etc. o 3: The problem of tolerance. NR takes tolerance to the extreme and expect everyone to be tolerant of everyone else, or no one? DISCUSS o 4: The need for moral debate: NR shifts the focus from the content of the belief to the existence of the belief. CV EXAMPLE.

Role relativism: o What should I do? Everything that is designated to you by your role. EX MANAGERS TO SHAREHOLDERS o Critique 1: How to determine the obligations and conduct of the role. EICHMANN EXAMPLE o TAKE EXAMPLE UPSTAIRS, THE ROLE OF THE ROLE

DESIGNATOR. HANSIE CRONJE o 1:Conflicting roles: One person, many roles. Which role takes priority. Father and Businessman. o 2: Concept of person: The human value behind the role or actors. o Why were you doing your job? Why did you choose to do it? Why did you choose to listen to the devil? Social group relativism o NR individual - Social groups o Our safety procedure were the benchmark, yet still failed. ELABORATE o Critique: 1: Pluralism: We belong to more than one social group. Church vs salesman in terms of equality. o 2: Problem of Followership: Appeals to popularity: Refers to status quo in order to see whats right. Many companies are going green, thats why I shall adopt it in my code of ethics. Who leads then? Cultural relativism: o Morality is relative to a particular culture or community. o In contrast with globalisation. MENTION APPLE EXAMPLE. When in Rome o Mention legal and moral relativism. o TOURIST EXAMPLE o ETHNOCENTRISM o Critique 1: Problem of conflict Two cultures SA o 2: Tie breakers: Legality or morality? Apple o 3: Relativism and reason: How should society be structured. How can we justify amending a law? Does that mean our culture, morals changed? Who determines a change of morals or laws? RELATE TO CRITICISM OF FRIEDMAN BY STONE.

Kernel of truth in relativism: o No solidarity, tolerance if relativism is in place. o Tolerance and solidarity as a virtue? Golden mean Aristotle. o Relativism highlights the interconnectedness of the individual and their culture, society and world. o Language is already a social institution. Why morally follow the rules of language? o Relate to scientific experimentation: Einstein didnt just keep his theory of relativity to himself, he brought it to the world, got criticised, used his reason and attention and improved upon his work even after he became a world renowned scientist. o