Reasons Relativism is an Excuse for Lack of Moral Conviction
My perspective on the division and confusion we face in business and society today is deeply rooted in my journey over the last five decades. I have witnessed a significant shift from a rigid, religious-based, driven focus that was rather inflexible to the extreme relativism we see today. Relativism, the belief that moral principles are not absolute but vary with individuals or cultures, is used as a shield to excuse a lack of moral conviction. If left unchecked, this trend could lead to dire consequences for our society and business ethics.
My work has always advocated for balance in life. It’s not about choosing between moral guidelines and individual freedom but about understanding that both are crucial. This balance is one of the foundations of modern society, ensuring that we can live together harmoniously. The call for relativism, unfortunately, often stems from our lack of commitment to moral guidelines and is fueled by selfishness and greed. It’s crucial to strike this balance to maintain a healthy society and business environment.
Here are some reasons why:
Avoidance of Accountability: Relativism allows individuals to evade responsibility by claiming that their actions are justifiable within their own moral framework, even if they are widely considered unethical.
Lack of Universal Standards: Without universal moral standards, condemning harmful practices becomes challenging, as all moral viewpoints are seen as equally valid. When you examine the fundamental theology beneath many religions, there are many widespread threads but also some distinct contradictions. The key is learning to be open-minded and learning to balance concepts.
Inconsistency: Relativism leads to moral inconsistency, where the same action can be right or wrong depending on the situation or cultural context, undermining the coherence of moral judgment. We see this in many areas of society today.
Encouragement of Apathy: If all moral perspectives are perceived as equally valid, individuals may become apathetic about standing up for what they believe is right, as their efforts can be dismissed as merely subjective. Unfortunately, staying quiet rather than engaging in dialog for improvement has become more accessible.
Undermines Moral Progress: Relativism can hinder moral progress and social reform, as it resists the idea that some practices (like slavery or discrimination) are universally wrong. When someone tries to diminish the impact of history by either embellishing it or erasing it, we are left with little to anchor to in the world. Understanding history is monumental to understanding the future. Still, we have to sort through the perspectives of those who saw it only from the victor’s standpoint and ignored the reality of the situation to those who want to aggrandize it to play the victim card and solicit sympathy. We must learn from the past, anticipate the future, and live fully in the present.
Conflict Avoidance: People might adopt relativism to avoid conflict or confrontation, choosing not to challenge unethical behavior because it’s “their truth.” We see this in politics, entertainment, social media, and religions worldwide. We have become a society of deniers without any solutions.
Dilution of Justice: Relativism dilutes the concept of justice, implying no universal principles to measure fairness or human rights. Law has always been a weapon, but there was always a glimmer of hope in the process; however, today, we see evidence of throwing the laws and the process under the bus in favor of relativism. A billionaire’s trial is rigged because he can’t get a jury of peers that includes billionaires. Too many believe they are above the law today.
Moral Paralysis: When faced with diverse moral perspectives, individuals might feel paralyzed and unable to make decisive moral judgments or actions. Part of the problem is the sheer number of laws on the books from the last three centuries that need to be deactivated or modernized, and few are willing to tackle this issue by choice.
Rationalization of Self-Interest: Relativism is used to rationalize self-interest or harmful behavior. As individuals, we claim our actions are morally acceptable within our own value system. Yes, we must have personal values, but we must also understand that everyone else does. If this goes unchecked, we wind up with anarchy, where anyone charismatic enough to develop many followers to support their supremacy can create havoc.
Erosion of Trust: If everyone’s moral beliefs are considered equally valid, trust in ethical standards and institutions erode, leading to a fragmented society where mutual understanding and cooperation are compromised. Today, we have lost confidence in Congress, the Supreme Court, The Presidency, Local Government, Business Leaders, and Religions, and this does not make for a well-balanced society.
These points suggest that while promoting tolerance and understanding, relativism can also be misused to avoid moral responsibility and conviction, leading to a breakdown in societal trust and cooperation. It’s our collective responsibility to prevent this misuse and uphold the importance of moral conviction.
Balancing relativism in society involves recognizing the value of diverse moral perspectives while maintaining core ethical principles. Balance is about finding harmony between various aspects of our existence, such as work, relationships, personal growth, and leisure. It involves prioritizing our time and energy to ensure that no single area dominates at the expense of others. Achieving balance requires self-awareness and the ability to set boundaries, manage stress, and make conscious choices that align with our values and long-term goals. It’s about nurturing physical, mental, and emotional well-being and creating a fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle. Balance allows us to thrive, maintain healthy relationships, and achieve peace and fulfillment in our personal and professional lives.
