Final answer:
Particularism refers to the belief where rules and responses vary according to situations and relationships, contrasting to Universalism's consistent rules. Individualism values personal independence and achievements, especially in cultures like the United States. Philosophers debate between moral absolutism, cultural relativism, and the potential for a third alternative in moral reasoning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The belief that each circumstance and relationship determines the rules one lives by, and that their response to a situation may change based on what is happening in the moment and who is involved, is an example of Particularism. This concept contrasts with Universalism, which suggests that there are consistent rules that apply to everyone, regardless of the specific situation or relationship.
Individualism is a related but distinct concept that emphasizes the moral worth and value of the individual, promoting independence, self-reliance, and resistance to external interference.
The choice to marry in the United States is often based on individual feelings, yet also considers social acceptability, showing the interaction between personal decisions and societal influence. Moreover, in explaining behavior, Americans often commit the fundamental attribution error, overemphasizing internal factors and underestimating situational influences.
The anarchic nature of the international system indeed makes the individual level of analysis unpredictable. In individualist cultures like the United States, independence and personal achievement are highly valued. Lastly, philosophical discussions around moral absolutism and cultural relativism reveal the complexity of moral reasoning across cultures, with some philosophers seeking a third alternative to these dichotomous views.