The discussion about ethical relativism and ethical absolutism is shaped by many important thinkers from history. Here’s a look at some of these key figures, what they contributed, and what they believed.

1. Socrates (c. 470–399 BCE)

• What He Contributed: Socrates used a method of questioning that helped people search for universal truths. He believed that some moral ideas can be discovered through reason.
• What He Believed: Socrates wasn’t a strict absolutist, but his ideas helped people think that ethics is about finding objective moral standards, which is different from relativism.

2. Plato (c. 428–348 BCE)

• What He Contributed: Plato suggested the theory of Forms, stating that non-material ideas (like moral truths) represent the best kind of reality.
• What He Believed: Plato thought that objective moral truths exist and that knowing what is good is necessary for a fair society.

3. Aristotle (384–322 BCE)

• What He Contributed: Aristotle introduced virtue ethics, which focuses on the character and virtues of a person rather than strict moral rules.
• What He Believed: He recognized that culture influences ethics but argued that there are objective virtues linked to human happiness, or eudaimonia.

4. David Hume (1711–1776)

• What He Contributed: Hume questioned the idea that moral rules come from logic. He believed that feelings and human experiences shape our moral choices.
• What He Believed: Hume’s view supports relativism, suggesting that our morals depend on emotions and culture.

5. Immanuel Kant (1724–1804)

• What He Contributed: Kant’s ethics are based on the idea of duty. He believed that moral actions should follow rules that everyone should agree on.
• What He Believed: Kant strongly supported ethical absolutism, saying that moral laws must be followed no matter the situation (like his Categorical Imperative).

6. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)

• What He Contributed: Nietzsche questioned traditional moral values and focused on how power and culture shape our morals.
• What He Believed: His ideas fit with ethical relativism, suggesting that moral values are created by people and reflect different cultural interests.

7. John Stuart Mill (1806–1873)

• What He Contributed: Mill is known for utilitarianism, which looks at actions based on their outcomes for happiness.
• What He Believed: Although Mill’s views lean towards ethical relativism—thinking about the outcomes—he also hinted that there could be a universal ethical standard aimed at the greatest happiness.

8. Gilbert Ryle (1900–1976)

• What He Contributed: Ryle highlighted the importance of everyday language when discussing morals.
• What He Believed: He thought that our understanding of ethics comes from cultural practices rather than strict moral rules.

A Quick Look at the Statistics

• Popularity of Ethical Relativism: New surveys show that about 60% of philosophy students accept some form of ethical relativism, while around 40% lean towards ethical absolutism. This shows a trend toward relativistic views in modern philosophy.
• Cultural Differences in Morality: Studies reveal that cultural beliefs affect our moral judgments. Over 70% of anthropologists believe that different cultures have their own moral systems, supporting a relativist view of ethics.

Conclusion

The debate between ethical relativism and ethical absolutism is lively and influenced by many historical thinkers. Their ideas continue to affect how we discuss ethics today, showing the varying viewpoints from ancient thinkers to modern discussions. Learning about these philosophers helps us understand the complex nature of moral reasoning in our world.