Right is right and wrong is wrong. Actions are inherently good or bad,
regardless of the consequences.
Moral absolutism claims that there are eternal moral values and eternal
moral principles that are applicable everywhere. This is the popular
position of those who believe in a deity who establishes moral order in the
universe. There are several ways to view this position.
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Moral principles and norms are everywhere applicable and each society must
adhere to them.
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Moral principles and norms are everywhere applicable, but these norms
have exceptions which are everywhere the same.
-
Moral principles are everywhere applicable but can be applied differently
to societies so lower level norms can differ.
The deontological (moral absolutism) approach holds that there are
eternal moral principles that are always and everywhere applicable.
It holds that the moral quality of the act is inherent in the
quality of the act itself, regardless of the consequences that result
from the act.
The rules under which the formalist acts have inherent
worth in themselves and are not justified by other considerations. The
rules may be the commandments of god, the natural law of the universe, or
the tried and true proverbs or laws of one's culture.
These rules are used to regulate behavior, habits, and life's objectives. They tell you what actions are right and what actions are wrong.
Some examples of absolute standards could be:
- You shall not murder.
- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
- Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
- A penny saved is a penny earned.
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The reasons for the moral value of actions are based upon a code of laws or principles that are a
recognized standard for moral conduct.
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In most every case, good consequences flow from good actions that follow
the code of laws. And, ultimately, bad consequences flow from bad actions
that violate the code of laws. Good actions are not good just because
good results typically follow from them; good actions are inherently good
just as massive objects are inherently heavy. It's just naturally so.
Now please examine the discussion of:
Christian Ethics (example of moral absolutism)
Ethical Relativism: hedonism, perfectionism
