Final answer:
Maya's statement implies that the ethics of a society are shaped by its specific needs and context, which aligns with the theory of Normative Ethical Relativism. This perspective recognizes that ethical standards are not universal but vary across different societies, reflecting the balance between individual rights and social responsibilities to promote overall human flourishing.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Maya wrote: "The needs of a society determine its ethics," she likely meant that ethical standards and moral values are fundamentally shaped by the specific necessities and context of a society. This idea aligns with the theory of Normative Ethical Relativism, which suggests that there is no singular, universal set of moral principles, but rather that morality is relative to the cultural, societal, or individual context.
For example, actions deemed acceptable in one culture might be considered unethical in another, depending on various factors like tradition, environment, and communal welfare. According to the philosopher Mozi, ethical norms should prioritize actions that increase overall benefit, such as promoting welfare and addressing immediate needs. Similarly, communitarianism as envisioned by Etzioni, integrates the notion of balancing individual rights with social responsibility, reflecting how societal needs can shape ethical standards.
Even the notion of human flourishing, which has been a central concern in various moral philosophies, can be seen as a societal need that informs ethical considerations. Whether it through cooperative virtues that support biological flourishing or through contemplation on what constitutes a good life, ethics appear to be deeply intertwined with the fabric of societal structure and the needs it tries to fulfill.