IndexWhat is Ethical RelativismJustification of Ethical RelativismObjections to RelativismIn ethics, ethical relativism is one of the most controversial topics. Indeed, many well-known ethicists reject and neglect the theory entirely. They believe that although moral practices in societies may differ, the fundamental moral principles underlying these practices simply do not differ. These fundamental morals are also known as universal moral standards. Let's take slavery as an example: no matter how different a society may be, slavery is still morally wrong. However, those who believe in the theory of ethical relativism would disagree. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay What is Ethical Relativism Ethical relativism is the theory that morality may differ depending on the culture of a particular society. Whether an action is considered right or wrong depends entirely on what is acceptable in your 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. Let's 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 others, respecting and caring for others. Slavery violates this rule on all counts, but it can still be seen in countries like the North African nation of Mauritania. Slavery is deeply rooted in the structure of this society with approximately half a million Mauritanians enslaved, or approximately 20% of the population. The theory of ethical relativism would not recognize this as a problem but as a norm in their society. Justification of Ethical Relativism Those who believe in this theory refute their beliefs in a few distinct ways. An example given in support of ethical relativism is ongoing moral disagreements. Many sociologists have emphasized the fact that individuals and sometimes entire societies occasionally have disagreements about moral issues. Ethical relativists conclude that the moral principles of right and wrong are essentially relative. This 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 party 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 side is wrong and if both sides maintain their beliefs, the matter cannot be resolved. Looking at this problem from a relativist perspective, there are two answers and both answers are Yes. Another argument frequently used to support ethical relativism is cultural tolerance. Relativists believe they are more tolerant of others and their cultures. Being tolerant of these things can prove very beneficial to a society, especially if it is a multicultural society. Because the average relativist believes that his or her moral beliefs are no truer than anyone else's, he or she believes that he or she can tolerate different cultures in a way that no one else can. Cultural intolerance has been the cause of many of history's darkest moments. One such moment was Hitler's action against the Jews. Many believe that Hitler's hatred of Jews stemmed from.