Relativism

Relativism

Relativism is the philosophical position that all points of view are equally valid and that all truth is relative to the individual. Under the umbrella of relativism, there are many different groups, like cognitive, moral, and situational relativism. In moral/ethical relativism it amounts to saying that all moralities are equally good. In cognitive relativism it implies that all beliefs, or belief systems, are equally true. This essay will refute relativism, and its basic premise.

Relativism is becoming more pervasive in our culture today. With the rejection of God, and Christianity in particular, absolute truth is being abandoned. Society today is trying to avoid the idea that there is really a right and wrong. There is evidence in the deteriorating judicial system, in the increase in sexuality in the entertainment media, and in our schools which teach evolution and social tolerance. If, however, you speak against relativism and its "anything goes" philosophy, you are considered close-minded. Of course, if relativism accepts all points of view as true except those which profess absolutes in morality, it is hypocritical.

Relativism is becoming widespread in our schools, economy, and society. Society cannot survive in an environment where everyone does what is right in his own eyes. Without a common foundation of truth and absolutes, our culture will become weak.

However, there is validity to some aspects of relativism. For example, what one society considers right, another may consider wrong. Child rearing would be an example; another would be driving on the right side of the road instead of the left. These right and wrong ways are not set in stone, nor are they derived from an absolute rule of conduct. But their relativism is properly asserted as such. It doesn't matter what side of the road we drive on as long as we all do it the same way.

Likewise, there are experiences that are valid only for individuals. I may be irritated by a certain sound, where another person may nor. In this sense, what is true for me may not necessarily be true for someone else. This is one way of showing that certain aspects of relativism are true. Furthermore, if all things are relative, then there can't be anything that is absolutely true between individuals. In other words, if all people deny absolute truth and establish relative truth only from their experiences,