Is it true that Ethical Relativism promotes tolerance because it accepts all cultural norms.?

Cultural Relativism, by definition, must embrace all views, including intolerant ones, thus it cannot logically promote tolerance as a universal value.

Is it true that Psychological Egoism is a philosophical theory that explains how we ought to behave.?

Psychological Egoism is a descriptive theory that claims we *always* act on self-interest and cannot do otherwise; Ethical Egoism is the normative philosophical theory that we *should* act on self-interest.

Ethical Relativism vs. Ethical Egoism: A Philosophical Deep Dive

Ethical Relativism and Ethical Egoism present contrasting frameworks for morality, with Relativism positing that moral truths are subjective or culturally determined, and Egoism asserting that actions should align with one's self-interest, both facing significant logical and practical challenges.

Core Principles

Moral Realism claims objective moral truths exist, universally applicable, unlike Moral Relativism which denies such truths.
Ethical Relativism posits that morality is not absolute but varies by individual (Subjective Relativism) or culture (Cultural Relativism).
Ethical Egoism, a normative theory, states that individuals ought to act in their own self-interest, distinct from Psychological Egoism which describes this behavior as inherent.
The argument for Cultural Relativism ('moral judgments differ, therefore morality is relative') is valid but its first premise (differing judgments imply no objective standards) is questionable.
Ethical Egoism faces challenges regarding its public nature (best interest to conceal egoism) and practicality (conflicts of interest).
James Rachels argues Ethical Egoism is foundational to 'isms' like racism and sexism by prioritizing self or group over others.

Action Steps

Critically analyze the premises of arguments for ethical theories, questioning their truth and implications.
Distinguish between normative theories (what ought to be) and descriptive theories (what is).
Evaluate ethical theories based on criteria like prescriptivity, universality, overridingness, publicity, and practicality.
Consider whether moral judgments are akin to aesthetic preferences or if they possess objective truth.
When discussing ethics, avoid relativistic language like 'in my opinion' unless forwarding a relativistic position.

Key Terms

Moral Realism: Claims that concepts like 'right and wrong' exist objectively and are universally true.
Moral Relativism: Claims that there are no objective moral truths; moral claims are based on individuals or cultures.
Subjective Relativism: Asserts that right and wrong are determined by each individual, varying from moment to moment.
Cultural Relativism: Asserts that right and wrong are determined by each culture, varying from culture to culture.
Ethical Egoism: A normative theory stating that the right choice is the one that aligns with one's best self-interest.
Psychological Egoism: A descriptive theory stating that humans *always* act based on self-interest and cannot do otherwise.
Ideal Forms: In Socratic/Platonic philosophy, the highest form of truth, attainable through reason and dialectics.

Pro Tips

Philosophical texts require slow, deliberate reading to understand each step of the argument.
When examining philosophical arguments, focus on methodology and reasoning rather than personal opinions on the subject matter.
The term 'Ethical Egoism' does not imply that egoism is inherently ethical; it differentiates it from psychological egoism.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Using AI or outside sources to generate responses for assignments bypasses critical analysis and comprehension, akin to neglecting muscle building.
Assuming that because moral judgments differ between cultures, there are no objective moral standards is a logical fallacy.
Believing that Cultural Relativism inherently promotes tolerance is flawed, as it must embrace all views, including intolerant ones.

Myth vs Reality

Ethical Relativism promotes tolerance because it accepts all cultural norms.: Cultural Relativism, by definition, must embrace all views, including intolerant ones, thus it cannot logically promote tolerance as a universal value.
Psychological Egoism is a philosophical theory that explains how we ought to behave.: Psychological Egoism is a descriptive theory that claims we *always* act on self-interest and cannot do otherwise; Ethical Egoism is the normative philosophical theory that we *should* act on self-interest.

Real World Examples

James Fields driving his car into a group of activists in August 2017, killing Heather Heyer.: A subjective relativist might claim Fields' actions were 'right' if he thought so, while a cultural relativist might justify them based on his culture's norms, highlighting the potential for relativism to condone horrific actions.
Teachers shielding students at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012, some losing their lives.: This act of self-sacrifice challenges Psychological Egoism, as it suggests actions not motivated by self-interest but by a sense of duty or care for others.

Timeline

August 2017: James Fields drove his car into a group of activists, killing Heather Heyer and injuring nineteen others.
2012: Teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary school shielded students, with some losing their lives.
2018: Football coach, teachers, and students at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School put their lives on the line to help others.
2020: Medical professionals treated COVID-19 patients despite lacking adequate personal protection equipment.
January 6th: Eugene Goodman, Brian Sicknick, and other officers protected members of Congress during the Capitol attack.

People

Judith Jarvis Thomson: Author of 'A Defense of Abortion', used to illustrate philosophical argument structure.
Regan: Philosopher whose approach is based on reason, influenced by Socrates and Plato.
Socrates: Ancient Greek philosopher whose approach, along with Plato's, influenced Regan and emphasized reason and dialectics.
Plato: Ancient Greek philosopher whose concept of Ideal Forms and emphasis on reason influenced Regan.
Immanuel Kant: Philosopher inspired by Newton, who sought to create an ethical system to find moral truths; his article is used as an example of philosophical method.
Isaac Newton: Physicist whose mathematical proofs for gravity inspired Immanuel Kant.
William Hogarth: Artist whose series 'Four Stages of Cruelty' is used to illustrate theories on animal treatment and Ethical Relativism.
David Hume: Philosopher who claimed ethical judgments are subjective, similar to aesthetic judgments.
Giuseppe Arcimboldo: Artist whose portrait 'The Water' is used as an example of aesthetic assessment.
James Rachels: Philosopher who critiqued Ethical Egoism, arguing it prioritizes self/group and is foundational to objectionable 'isms'.
Louis Pojman: Developed five traits (prescriptive, universal, overriding, public, practical) to evaluate moral theories.