Question

Explain why someone might be attracted ethical relativism and moral nihilism. Is one of these theories preferable to the other? Defend your answer.

Answer 1

According to ethical nihilism or the error theory which is the meta-ethical view; nothing is morally right or wrong. Morality does not exist. Moral statements are thus considered either all false or all nonsensical. However according to moral relativism, based on the cultural and individual context actions may be wrong or right. Thus the truth and values of moral statements are considered relative to the speaker, or the time period, or cultures, or whatever. The theory that is preferable to the other is moral relativism because it is a realistic approach to the various issues that are prevalent in society such as; drinking, for example, is permissible in some societies while not in others. Polygamy is permissible in some societies but not in others.