moral relativism

moral relativism
The philosophized notion that right and wrong are not absolute values, but are personalized according to the individual and his or her circumstances or cultural orientation. It can be used positively to effect change in the law (e.g., promoting tolerance for other customs or lifestyles) or negatively as a means to attempt justification for wrongdoing or lawbreaking. The opposite of moral relativism is moral absolutism, which espouses a fundamental, natural law of constant values and rules, and which judges all persons equally, irrespective of individual circumstances or cultural differences.

Dictionary from West's Encyclopedia of American Law. 2005.


moral relativism
The philosophized notion that right and wrong are not absolute values, but are personalized according to the individual and his or her circumstances or cultural orientation. It can be used positively to effect change in the law (e.g., promoting tolerance for other customs or lifestyles) or negatively as a means to attempt justification for wrongdoing or lawbreaking. The opposite of moral relativism is moral absolutism, which espouses a fundamental, natural law of constant values and rules, and which judges all persons equally, irrespective of individual circumstances or cultural differences.

Short Dictionary of (mostly American) Legal Terms and Abbreviations.

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