Can there be a coherent Relativism?
- Words:
- 2032
- Submitted:
- Thu Jul 11 2002

... Can there be a coherent Relativism? Characterised generally relativism, within the context of ethics, is the view that all moral standards are relative to an individual or culture. Under a relativist conception of ethics there are no moral 'facts', and the 'rightness' or 'wrongness' of an action is dependent on the views, beliefs and values of groups, societies or cultures in which the actions are performed. Relativism is neatly summed up by the ancient Greek sophist Protagoras (480-411BC) in his statement that "Man is the measure of all things". And that there may in fact be more than just one true morality. Moreover what is morally right for one group or culture may not be right for every group or culture. This was a typical view among the sophists at the time of Protagoras and was grounded in a prevailing belief in 'Nomos' or social convention over 'Physis' or nature.














