Moral Relativism Essay

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Moral relativism is described as a state where moral arguments do not demonstrate universal moral truths, but rather it is culturally based or influenced by historical, social, or personal situations. This means that what is considered moral relies on the individual, and what he or she considers to be acceptable. Furthermore, moral relativism does not confirm moral statements nor refuse. The world is diverse with different cultures and societies, therefore what is considered morally acceptable will vary between cultures. This apprehension creates doubt that there is a universally acceptable moral law and it opposes the thought of one moral system is superior to another. [1] For example, it is a common to smile at a stranger in America as …show more content…
[3] For instance, in developing countries, children (mostly female) below the age of 18 years are being forced into marriage. The main causes for this issue is lack of knowledge, poverty, cultural practices, and gender inequality. [4] Child marriage has been in practice for many generations in these countries and they consider this practice as morally acceptable. But in fact, this practice does not help their communities to thrive and it is also a violation of basic human rights, since most of these children are forced to drop out of school and thereafter they will not receive a form of education that will be applicable for them to work and earn a sustainable income to raise their family, thus they remain in poverty. [5] Furthermore, young girls married at a young age can be detrimental to their health. For example, girls under the age of 20 years are at high risk of injury and death when giving birth. [6] But according to moral relativism, practices such as child marriage is rational and must not be criticized by those who are foreign to that type of cultural practices, therefore moral relativism must be reformed. In conclusion, moral relativism has its own advantage to protect cultural identities but prejudice to those who are victims of certain cultural practices that do not aid in development of that community. Despite that moral relativism deny that
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