Absolute and relative morality
There are two types of morality which can help describe different people’s choices when deciding what is right and wrong:
- absolute morality
- relative morality
Absolute morality
If you believe in absolute morality you will have faith that there is a right course of action to take in a moral dilemma, which is true in all situations regardless of culture, religious tradition, time or age.
How would a follower of this sort of morality respond to the commandment You shall not murder
? They would try to make sure that they were not involved in any killing, which would affect their views on issues such as war and euthanasia. They would say that these actions are wrong in all circumstances.
Relative morality
If you believe in relative morality you would agree that different courses of action might be needed in different situations.
How would a follower of this sort of morality respond to the commandment Do not kill
? They would agree that killing is wrong. However, they would look at a range of other issues as well and might say that killing is necessary in a particular situation.