Final answer:
The statement that there are two distinct forms of moral relativism, individual relativism and cultural relativism, is true. Individual relativism centers on personal moral judgment while cultural relativism focuses on morality within a cultural context. Both are significant concepts in discussions of morals and ethics.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that there are two distinct forms of moral relativism: individual relativism and cultural relativism. Individual relativism (sometimes known as subjectivism) suggests that moral judgments and ethical standards are relative to each person's perspectives and experiences. Cultural relativism, on the other hand, posits that morality is dependent on the norms, practices, and beliefs of a particular culture or society.
Descriptive ethical relativism acknowledges the fact that different societies have various customs, mores, and ethical principles. What is considered moral or immoral can vastly differ from one country to another. This phenomenon is heavily supported by cultural anthropological research. Normative ethical relativism goes further by stating that within a culture, the majority's view on ethics and morality is inherently correct, simply because it is the predominant view. This stance implies that minorities, holding different ethical beliefs, cannot offer valid criticisms of the majority view, which can contradict historical instances of moral progress initiated by minority groups.
Moreover, moral relativism, as a philosophical position, challenges the idea of universal moral truths that are applicable to all individuals regardless of cultural context. At the same time, it is essential to differentiate moral relativism from moral pluralism. While pluralism recognizes the existence of multiple moral perspectives, it does not necessarily assert that all perspectives are equally valid, as relativism does.