Absolutism vs. Relativism — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 13, 2023
Absolutism asserts the existence of absolute, unchanging truths; relativism posits that truth is subjective and varies between individuals and cultures. They diverge in their perspectives on truth and morality.
Difference Between Absolutism and Relativism
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Absolutism is a philosophical standpoint asserting that certain actions, truths, and values remain constant and unconditional, unmodified by individual perspectives or cultural differences. It states that there are fixed, universal principles that govern morality, ethics, and knowledge. Relativism, conversely, is the belief that moral values and the perception of truth are not absolute but are subject to variations based on individual or cultural perspectives. It suggests that our interpretations and understanding of truths, morals, and values are relative to our cultural, social, or personal context.
Absolutism adheres to a binary perspective, typically categorizing actions, beliefs, and values into either right or wrong, true or false, without the accommodation for middle ground or contextual nuances. It upholds objective standards and absolute truths. Relativism, in opposition, embraces the diversity of perspectives and acknowledges the influence of context, culture, and individual differences on our interpretations and judgments. It denies the existence of universal truths or moral standards, emphasizing the variability and subjectivity inherent in human perception and morality.
In the realm of morality, absolutism posits that there are universally binding moral principles that apply to all individuals regardless of their cultural or personal beliefs. It implies an objective moral order to which everyone should adhere. Relativism, on the other hand, argues that moral principles are culturally constructed and can vary significantly from one culture or individual to another. It believes that morality is subjective and contingent upon cultural, societal, or individual differences.
Absolutism can provide a stable, clear framework for ethical judgments and decisions as it relies on unwavering, predetermined principles. It offers clarity and avoids ambiguity by adhering to established truths. In contrast, relativism fosters tolerance and open-mindedness due to its acceptance of diverse beliefs and moralities. It encourages critical reflection and adaptation of beliefs and values in accordance with varying contexts and perspectives, promoting a more inclusive and adaptable moral and epistemological framework.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Belief in absolute, unchanging truths and values
View that truth and morality are subjective and vary
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Perspective on Truth
Objective and universal
Subjective and individual or cultural
Moral Principles
Fixed, universally applicable
Variable, culturally or individually constructed
Flexibility
Inflexible, adheres to predetermined principles
Adaptable, acknowledges the diversity of perspectives
Impact on Judgment
Provides clear, unwavering framework
Fosters tolerance, encourages critical reflection
Compare with Definitions
Absolutism
Absolutism categorizes actions and values as either right or wrong.
Moral absolutism dictates a clear distinction between right and wrong actions.
Relativism
Relativism fosters tolerance and reflection due to acceptance of diverse perspectives.
The principle of relativism encourages individuals to respect differing opinions and values.
Absolutism
Absolutism asserts unwavering, unconditional values and truths.
Legal absolutism maintains that laws should be upheld without exception.
Relativism
Relativism is the view that truths and morals are subjective and can vary.
Cultural relativism posits that moral values are determined by cultural norms.
Absolutism
Absolutism is the belief in fixed, universal truths or principles.
Absolutism in ethics implies a universal moral code everyone should follow.
Relativism
Relativism denies the existence of universal truths or moral standards.
Ethical relativism maintains that morality is subject to individual interpretation.
Absolutism
Absolutism adheres to predetermined principles to avoid ambiguity.
In philosophical absolutism, truths are clear, stable, and undisputed.
Relativism
Relativism believes in the variability and subjectivity of truths and values.
In relativism, what is considered true or moral can differ vastly among individuals.
Absolutism
A political theory holding that all power should be vested in one ruler or other authority.
Relativism
Relativism acknowledges the influence of context and culture on beliefs.
Relativism fosters open-mindedness by accepting the diversity of beliefs and values.
Absolutism
A form of government in which all power is vested in a single ruler or other authority.
Relativism
Relativism is a family of philosophical views which deny claims to objectivity within a particular domain and assert that facts in that domain are relative to the perspective of an observer or the context in which they are assessed. There are many different forms of relativism, with a great deal of variation in scope and differing degrees of controversy among them.
Absolutism
An absolute doctrine, principle, or standard.
Relativism
The theory that value judgments, as of truth, beauty, or morality, have no universal validity but are valid only for the persons or groups holding them.
Absolutism
(theology) Doctrine of preordination; doctrine of absolute decrees; doctrine that God acts in an absolute manner.
Relativism
The theory, especially in ethics or aesthetics, that conceptions of truth and moral values are not absolute but are relative to the persons or groups holding them.
Absolutism
The principles or practice of absolute or arbitrary government; despotism.
Relativism
A specific such theory, advocated by a particular philosopher or school of thought.
Absolutism
(philosophy) Belief in a metaphysical absolute; belief in Absolute.
Relativism
(philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that all criteria of judgment are relative to the individuals and situations involved
Absolutism
Positiveness; the state of being absolute.
Absolutism
(rare) The characteristic of being absolute in nature or scope; absoluteness.
Absolutism
The state of being absolute; the system or doctrine of the absolute; the principles or practice of absolute or arbitrary government; despotism.
The element of absolutism and prelacy was controlling.
Absolutism
Doctrine of absolute decrees.
Absolutism
Dominance through threat of punishment and violence
Absolutism
A form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)
Absolutism
The principle of complete and unrestricted power in government
Absolutism
The doctrine of an absolute being
Absolutism
Absolutism posits the existence of objective standards and unchanging truths.
The absolutism of mathematical truths is demonstrated by their universal applicability.
Common Curiosities
What does relativism suggest about truth and morality?
Relativism suggests that truths and moral values are subjective, varying based on individual or cultural perspectives.
Does absolutism allow for flexibility in moral judgments?
No, absolutism adheres to fixed, universal principles, providing clear but inflexible moral frameworks.
What is the core principle of absolutism?
Absolutism’s core principle is the existence of absolute, unchanging truths or principles that are universally applicable.
How does relativism view cultural norms?
Relativism sees cultural norms as significant influencers of individual truths and moral values, varying from culture to culture.
Can relativism lead to moral ambiguity?
Yes, since relativism lacks universal standards, it can lead to ambiguity and differing moral interpretations.
Is absolutism intolerant of differing opinions?
Absolutism’s adherence to fixed truths can be seen as intolerant of perspectives that contradict established principles.
Can relativism lead to ethical conflicts?
Yes, varying moral standards in relativism can lead to conflicts due to lack of universally agreed-upon principles.
Can absolutism provide clarity in ethical judgments?
Yes, absolutism offers clear, unwavering frameworks for ethical judgments based on established truths.
Is absolutism universally applicable in ethics?
Absolutism posits so, asserting that there are universally binding moral principles applicable to all individuals.
Does relativism promote tolerance and open-mindedness?
Yes, relativism, by acknowledging the validity of diverse perspectives, fosters tolerance and open-mindedness.
Is relativism adaptable to varying contexts and perspectives?
Absolutely, relativism's inherent acknowledgment of diversity allows adaptability to different contexts and viewpoints.
Does relativism encourage critical reflection on moral values?
Yes, relativism prompts individuals to critically reflect on and adapt their moral values in light of diverse perspectives.
Can absolutism stifle critical thinking?
Potentially, absolutism’s firm adherence to established principles might limit exploration of alternate viewpoints.
Can absolutism be applied to epistemology?
Yes, epistemological absolutism asserts the existence of unchanging, objective truths and standards of knowledge.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
