Final answer:
The late 1900s were pivotal in ethical thinking, with Existentialism and Pragmatism influencing the belief that ethics are a human construct and not based on pre-existing absolutes. John Rawls's Theory of Justice as Fairness had a profound impact on law and society. Ethical relativism also became more widely accepted, amidst discussions on Utilitarianism and other ethical frameworks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ethical Theory and Decision Making in the Late 1900s
The late 1900s marked a significant period in ethical theory and decision making, influenced by the rise of Post Modernism and thinkers within the Existentialist and Pragmatist traditions.
The Existentialists emphasized radical freedom and the role of human choice, positing that morality was a result of human decision-making rather than pre-existing rules or essences.
Concurrently, the Pragmatists challenged the notion of absolute truths and universal judgments, viewing reality and ethical standards as constructs reflective of societal values and subject to change.
The era also saw a decline in adherence to religions and Natural Law Theory in the West, and an increased acceptance of relativistic perspectives.
Thinkers like John Rawls greatly contributed to this field with his Theory of Justice as Fairness, which influenced laws and policies aimed at ensuring equality and fairness within society.
Furthermore, ethical relativism entered into mainstream thought, alongside various other ethical theories covered in sections 8.3 to 8.7, which discuss Utilitarianism, Deontology, and Post Modern Ethics, among other concepts.