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Is it ever justifiable to have a flexible moral code through the lens of moral relativism?

Norma Riep

The concept of moral relativism is highly debated and controversial in contemporary society. Nevertheless, the reality is that each person holds a unique set of morals, beliefs, and values that shape their worldview and ultimately their code of ethics. As such, the question of whether it is ever justifiable to have a flexible moral code through the lens of moral relativism is a complex and thought-provoking one that deserves careful reflection.

From my perspective, the short answer is yes - it can sometimes be justifiable to have a flexible moral code through the lens of moral relativism. This is because the world we live in is not black and white, and there are countless gray areas where moral absolutism simply doesn't apply.

For instance, let's consider a situation where a person is forced to lie to save the life of their loved one. In such a case, a rigid moral code that says lying is always wrong would be inappropriate, as telling the truth would result in unimaginable harm. Similarly, in a legal system where certain actions are legal in one place but illegal in another, the concept of moral relativism becomes essential in determining right and wrong.

However, this does not mean that we should abandon the idea of moral absolutes altogether. Rather, I believe that a flexible moral code should be grounded in a set of fundamental moral principles that are universally recognized as good. Principles such as honesty, compassion, and respect for human life should guide our decisions and actions, even in situations where they are in conflict with local norms and values.

Admittedly, there are those who would argue that moral relativism is entirely subjective and that each person is free to create their own set of moral standards. However, this sort of extreme subjectivity leads to dangerous outcomes, as people who hold morally reprehensible beliefs will be justified in their actions. Furthermore, a complete lack of moral absolutes can make it hard for individuals to make consistent or informed decisions about life and society's challenges.

In conclusion, while a flexible moral code can be justifiable in certain circumstances, we should not abandon the idea of moral absolutes entirely. By grounding our ethics in fundamental universal principles, we can find a way to navigate life's complex ethical dilemmas that still leaves room for moral relativism. Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance between recognizing the complexities of the world we live in and adhering to a moral code that reflects our commitment to universal human values.