Question

According to the school of ethical relativism,

A. Concepts of ethically right and ethically wrong are relative across countries and cultures but are universal within countries or cultures
B. Individuals and businesses have a basic right to "moral free space" and that it is inappropriate to specify ethically permissible and ethically impermissible actions and behaviors
C. There are important occasions when local cultural norms and the circumstances of the situation determine whether certain behaviors are right or wrong
D. Concepts of right and wrong as applied to business situations are always a function of each company's own set of values, beliefs and ethical convictions (as stated in the company's code of ethical conduct)
E. Standards of what is ethically right and ethically wrong as applied to business behavior are determined solely by whatever business norms prevail in a particular country/culture/society and these business norms are certain to vary across countries/cultures/societies

Answer 1

Ethical relativism posits that moral principles and ethics vary across different societies and cultures, with no absolute moral standards binding on everyone at all times. While some ethical principles might be shared universally, the interpretation and justification for actions, such as killing, can differ based on cultural context. Ethical relativism acknowledges the diversity in moral codes but also indicates the complexities in those cultural differences. option (a)

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the school of ethical relativism, the concept that ethical standards are not absolute and can vary between societies and cultures is fundamental. This perspective holds that there are no universally valid moral principles, as normative ethical relativism suggests that moral rightness and wrongness of actions differ from one society to another. It underlines the belief that ethics and morality are shaped by cultural contexts, and what is considered morally acceptable in one culture may be deemed unethical in another. This standpoint can result in diverse interpretations of what constitutes ethical behavior in business or any other aspect of life.

Contrary to ethical relativism, some argue that while there are differences between cultures, there may still exist some universal ethical principles, such as the basic right to life. Discrepancies arise in the justification of actions like killing, rather than in the fundamental ethical stance against unjustified harm. Therefore, ethical relativism and its criticisms must be understood in the context of local customs, laws, and social norms which shapes a society's predominant ethical view.Ultimately, ethical relativism recognizes that moral codes and laws can indeed vary significantly across countries, and that this variance should be understood and respected. It posits that calling a minority's ethical viewpoint incorrect solely because it is not the majority's perspective is an oversimplification and fails to account for social change and moral reform that often starts with minority views.