Final answer:
The statement that standards of moral judgment are essential for leadership is true, as unethical leaders can harm societies. Normative moral theories provide a basis for understanding right and wrong, while historical and sociological perspectives highlight the importance of ethics in social cohesion and progress.
Step-by-step explanation:
Standards of moral judgment are indeed critical to the practice of leadership because unethical leaders can do significant damage to groups, organizations, and societies. This statement is true. Leaders who cultivate a strong moral law and adhere to discipline can control success, ensuring ethical standards are maintained. History has shown the necessity for leaders to mandate and uphold standards of behavior, applying consequences for breaches in ethics to maintain the integrity of their societies.
Normative moral theories are essential as they establish norms and standards of conduct to guide our behavior effectively. Moreover, sociological aspects of morality such as reputation and social censure play a role in maintaining ethical behavior within a group. Ethics is a social phenomenon as it largely governs how people behave towards one another in a society. Without a moral framework, social organization and individual integrity may suffer, leading to detrimental effects on the collective welfare.
The Theory of Normative Ethical Relativism posits that each culture's predominant ethical views are correct because they are predominant, and there can be no criticism of these views by any minority. However, this theory is challenged by historical examples of moral reforms initiated by minority perspectives. Hence, certain universal ethical principles, like the right to life, suggest that some acts are intrinsically wrong regardless of cultural practices. This underscores the need for leaders to embrace universal ethical standards that transcend cultural differences.