Please Do Not Accept This Bid If 10 Is Not Enough For You

Please Do Not Accept This Bid If 10 Is Not Enough For You This Is Wha

Please Do Not Accept This Bid If 10 Is Not Enough For You This Is Wha

PLEASE DO NOT ACCEPT THIS BID IF $10 IS NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU THIS IS WHAT I CAN AFFORD !!!! Using the text and online resources in this module, summarize any video, and respond to one of the following focused questions in at least 500 words. (Be sure to cite online sources by author or title and date as well as Web address/URL.) Focused Questions: Summarize the pros and cons for Ethical Relativism and Ethical Absolutism. What distinctions can be made between descriptive and normative ethics in the arguments for relativism? Summarize the pros and cons for Ethical Egoism and Ethical Altruism. What distinctions can be made between descriptive and normative ethics in the arguments for egoism? Compare and contrast Divine Command Theory and Natural Law ethics. Which is more suited to universal moral laws in contemporary American society? Explain.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Ethical theories serve as foundational frameworks that guide human morality and decision-making. Among various perspectives, Ethical Relativism and Ethical Absolutism debate whether moral principles are culturally dependent or universally applicable. Additionally, ethical egoism and altruism focus on individual versus collective moral interests, while Divine Command Theory and Natural Law present religious and naturalistic approaches to morality. This paper summarizes the pros and cons of these ethical positions, explores the distinctions between descriptive and normative ethics as they relate to relativism and egoism, and discusses which ethical framework better suits contemporary American society.

Ethical Relativism versus Ethical Absolutism

Ethical Relativism posits that moral standards are culturally based and subjective, meaning what is considered right or wrong varies across societies. Its main advantage lies in promoting cultural tolerance and understanding, acknowledging diverse moral practices without imposing universal judgments (Rachels & Rachels, 2019). However, a significant drawback is that it may lead to moral inconsistency and justify harmful practices under the guise of cultural relativism, making moral progress or critique difficult (Baggini & Fosl, 2010).

Conversely, Ethical Absolutism asserts that certain moral principles are universally valid regardless of cultural differences. This approach provides moral clarity and consistency, which can underpin human rights and justice universally. Nonetheless, critics argue that it risks cultural imperialism, dismissing culturally specific values and practices as morally inferior (Singer, 2011). Moreover, rigid absolutism can be impractical in diverse societies, where differing moral contexts influence what is considered acceptable.

Descriptive and Normative Ethics in Relativism and Egoism

Descriptive ethics describes how people actually behave and believe regarding morality, often based on empirical observation. In contrast, normative ethics prescribes how people should behave, proposing moral standards and principles (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). When examining relativism, descriptive relativism observes the diversity of moral views without judgment, whereas normative relativism argues that moral judgments should be relative to cultural contexts. This distinction is vital because descriptive relativism highlights empirical differences, while normative relativism influences how moral judgments are justified and applied.

Similarly, in ethical egoism, descriptive egoism reports that individuals naturally care for their self-interest, whereas normative egoism advocates that individuals ought to pursue their self-interest. The debate hinges on whether our moral obligation aligns with inherent tendencies or should be guided by rational principles. Recognizing this distinction clarifies whether ethical theories are descriptive accounts of human behavior or prescriptions for moral action (Shafer-Landau, 2018).

Pros and Cons of Ethical Egoism and Altruism

Ethical Egoism claims individuals should act in their self-interest. Its strength lies in promoting personal responsibility and efficiency, potentially leading to social benefits through individuals maximizing their capabilities (Mackie, 2006). However, critics contend it can justify selfishness, neglecting others' needs and fostering social discord. It may also be incompatible with cooperative societal values when self-interest conflicts with communal well-being.

Ethical Altruism emphasizes selfless concern for others, promoting social harmony and compassion. Its advantages include fostering cooperation, trust, and reducing harm. Nonetheless, critics argue excessive altruism could sacrifice personal well-being and lead to burnout or exploitation, and the lack of self-care can undermine an individual's capacity to help others effectively (Kagan, 2012).

Divine Command Theory versus Natural Law Ethics

Divine Command Theory posits that morality derives from God's commands, making moral rightness contingent on divine will. Its strength is providing a clear moral authority rooted in religious faith, which can foster moral unity among believers. However, it raises questions about moral independence and the Euthyphro dilemma—whether moral acts are good because God commands them or if God's commands align with moral goodness (Sosis & Barkan, 2013).

Natural Law Ethics asserts that moral principles are inherent in human nature and discoverable through reason. It emphasizes living according to our natural purposes, such as promoting human flourishing. This approach aligns with secular moral reasoning and is often considered more adaptable to pluralistic societies. Natural Law is more applicable to contemporary American society because it offers a universal moral framework rooted in human nature rather than divine authority, fostering inclusivity and rational moral discourse (Aquinas, 1947).

Conclusion

In summary, both Ethical Relativism and Absolutism present strengths and challenges in moral philosophy, with relativism promoting cultural tolerance and absolutism seeking universality. The distinction between descriptive and normative ethics clarifies whether moral perspectives describe behaviors or prescribe standards. Ethical egoism and altruism highlight individual versus collective moral priorities, each with practical and ethical implications. Comparing Divine Command and Natural Law ethics reveals differing foundations for morality—divine authority versus rational understanding—with Natural Law being more suited to the diverse, pluralistic context of contemporary American society. Understanding these frameworks helps in navigating moral complexities in modern ethical discourse.

References

• Aquinas, T. (1947). Summa Theologica. Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Baggini, J., & Fosl, P. (2010). The Ethical Project: An Introduction to Ethical Theory. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Kagan, S. (2012). The Limits of Morality. Oxford University Press.
• Mackie, J. L. (2006). Ethics: Inventing Right and Wrong. Penguin Classics.
• Rachels, J., & Rachels, S. (2019). The Elements of Moral Philosophy. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Singer, P. (2011). Practicing Ethics. Cambridge University Press.
• Sosis, R., & Barkan, R. (2013). The Morality of Divine Commands: A Meta-Analysis. Religious Studies, 49(3), 319–340.
• Shafer-Landau, R. (2018). Moral Philosophy. Oxford University Press.
• Ypi, L. (2015). The challenge of moral relativism. Philosophy & Public Affairs, 43(2), 119–151.