The doctrine that knowledge is merely subjective and that there are no objective moral truths. ” It’s either my way or the highway. ” You learn to trust yourself in your decision-making. You are not prepared to learn from the experiences of others (from which wisdom is derived). People around the world have different views, some of which are influenced by personal tastes, feelings and opinions. Nihilism The rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless.
Life is meaningless. ” Actions can be performed without hesitation; since life is meaningless, there are few/ no consequences. A variety of social issues can ensue from this. There is little empathy for the situations of other people. Although this ethical system is more of a personal principle than something that can be applied to a particular situation, some regard anarchy as being driven by nihilism (albeit on a considerably smaller scale). Relativism Nothing is absolutely good or bad; everyone decides for themselves according to the time, faith, culture and place they are living in.
The only absolute is that there is no absolute. ” Flexible Allows people to take responsibility Explains the differences between people’s values Prohibits a single culture dominating Takes circumstances into account. No two people can come to an agreement. No behavior however heinous is condemned. You won’t acknowledge other people’s experiences as a reality. People in other countries have their own morals and faiths, influencing their decision-making. Utilitarianism The doctrine that actions are right if they are useful or for the benefit of a majority.
For the greater good. ” A desired result is achieved for the majority. Those who disagree with the majority are disregarded, such as minority groups. Governments seek to gain support from those who support them by appealing to their hip pocket, excluding individuals who disagree with them from playing a role in society. Natural Law A body of unchanging moral principles regarded as a basis for all human conduct. ” Adjust to changing times, but hold to unchanging morals. ” It gives us an individual and measurable sense of what is right and wrong by what is seen.
Its moral interpretation differs as each person has a different need. Christians, Muslims and Jews view the Ten Commandments as unchanging moral principles that express general truths. Situation Ethics The doctrine of flexibility in the application of moral laws according to circumstances. ” When the circumstance changes, so too shall your morals. ” Takes all your circumstances into account. Approaches ethical problems with some general moral principles rather than a rigorous set of ethical laws. It excludes most universal moral truths: By doing this it mess to remove any possibility of guaranteeing universal human rights, and satisfying human needs for a useful ethical framework for human behavior. The apposite use of euthanasia: is it ever morally acceptable? Are there situations in which the painless killing of another human may be required? Hedonism The ethical theory that pleasure (in the sense of the satisfaction of desires) is the highest good and proper aim of human life. ” If it feels good, then it must be right. ” You indulge in whatever makes you happiest. Hour pursuit of pleasure causes you to disregard others, including family and rinds. Since pleasure is deemed to be most important, they may begin to neglect their health. We live in a society that is consumed with the pursuit of pleasure and entertainment, and are living among a generation of people who see no redeeming value in an activity unless the activity brings them pleasure. Pragmatism An approach that assesses the truth of meaning of theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application. ” Live in the present. ” One can perform the most unpleasant of tasks with little or no fuss. Oftentimes they can overlook the ramifications their decisions may have. Many people make decisions based upon what is most practical, rather than looking at what ramifications they may have. Egoism An ethical theory that treats self-interest as the foundation of morality. ” Every man for himself”. You concern yourself solely with your own welfare- ergo for your own benefit. Seems to not account for duties, rights and consequences most people view as needed for morality. Many people concern themselves solely with their own welfare ND disregard that of others around them.
Tribalism The behavior and attitudes that stem from strong loyalty to one’s own tribe or social group. ” Family first”. Collective strength is always greater than the individual. The larger the group the smaller the individual voice. Numerous tribes in Africa, the Americas and Asia deem family bonds/loyalty to be of the utmost importance. Humanism Humanism emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively, and generally prefers individual thought and evidence (rationalism, empiricism) to established doctrine or faith (fifties). Be yourself- don’t go with the flow. ” The idea of rewards and punishments is intrinsically or extrinsically self-motivated. Helps the person to realize that they have an effect upon the world and others. Being proactive is necessary. They reject God (and organized religion in general); this has several implications. Humanist organizations around the world strive to holistically emphasis the agency of human beings. Their views are unaffected by religion, race, sex, etc.