Final answer:
Universal or global relativism is the view that truths, including moral judgments, are relative to individual or cultural perspectives, and that no objective moral standard exists universally. This idea is debated, especially when considering instances of moral reform led by minority views that challenge the concept that a culture's predominant moral stance is inherently correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Universal or Global Relativism
Universal or global relativism is a philosophical viewpoint which suggests that there is no objective truth. Instead, it posits that truths are always relative to a frame of reference, be it a culture, language, or individual perspective. In a relativistic worldview, moral principles and ethics are considered applicable only within those defined contexts. For example, what may be considered good behavior in one culture could be judged as bad in another, hence there is no universal moral standard that binds all people at all times.
The concept of moral relativism is particularly controversial because it denies the existence of universal moral beliefs, asserting that morality is always relative to specific societies or individuals. This denial of objective metrics for morality sometimes brings fears of ethical chaos, leading some to seek absolute standards in religious principles, as seen in the growth of religious fundamentalism.
While normative ethical relativism underlines that predominant moral views in any given culture are deemed correct due to their acceptance, it is challenged by instances where minority views have led to moral reforms. This indicates that despite cultural differences, there may be fundamental ethical principles that hold a common value amongst diverse societies, such as the notion that unjustified killing is wrong. Hence, whether universal or global relativism can be seen as a coherent viewpoint or objectively true remains a heated and complex debate.