Can Absolute Morality Help Us Make Ethical Choices Today?

Absolute morality is the idea that some ethical rules apply to everyone, no matter the situation or personal beliefs. But using this idea in today's world comes with some big challenges.

1. Cultural Differences:

   • Challenge: One major problem is the many different cultures that shape how people think about right and wrong. Different societies have unique values, traditions, and rules. This can lead to different views on what these absolute moral rules really are.
   • Example: For instance, some cultures might find polygamy (being married to more than one person) wrong, while others see it as perfectly normal. This raises the question: what is a truly “universal” moral truth?

2. Personal Experiences:

   • Challenge: Everyone has their own life experiences, and these can change how they see moral truths. What someone goes through can deeply affect their sense of right and wrong, making it hard to create a set of rules that works for everyone.
   • Implication: Because of this, even people who believe in absolute morals might disagree with each other, which can create more confusion rather than bring everyone together.

3. Skepticism Towards Authority:

   • Challenge: Absolute morality often depends on a higher authority—like a religion, philosophy, or historical figure—to explain these rules. But in today’s world, where many value independence and question authority, people might be reluctant to accept these strict rules.
   • Result: This can lead to some people rejecting absolute morals completely, preferring a more flexible approach, which can cause uncertainty about what is right or wrong.

Possible Solutions:

• Talking and Learning: Encouraging open conversations among different cultures and values can help us understand one another better. Schools should focus on teaching critical thinking and awareness of various moral ideas to promote respect for different opinions and find common ground.
• Creating a Flexible Moral Framework: Instead of pushing hard on strict absolute morals, a more adaptable approach could work better. It would recognize important values, like justice and respect for human rights, while still respecting cultural differences and discussions about ethics.
• Working Together Gradually: By concentrating on shared goals—like helping others—societies can find ways to blend absolute values with an understanding of different moral views.

In summary, while absolute morality has some tough challenges in our world today, by engaging in conversations and staying open to change, it can still play an important role in making ethical choices. This can help us navigate the tricky balance between universal morals and cultural differences.