Study Guide:
Louis P. Pojman - A Defense of Ethical Objectivism

1. What is ethnocentrism? What is Pojman's view of it?
2. Pojman believes that Moral Objectivism lies somewhere in between what other two views?
3. Explain the diversity thesis? Is this a moral principle?
4. Explain the dependency thesis? Is this a moral principle?
5. Could a person (consistently/rationally) believe the diversity thesis, but reject the dependency thesis?
6. What complaints does Pojman make about Subjectivism?
7. What does Pojman think is one of the appeals of Ethical Relativism that actually reveals a contradiction within the view?
8. What is the point of Pojman's comparison of Hitler with Mother Theresa?
9. What is Pojman's point in talking about reformers?
10. According to Pojman, what problem does a pluralistic society pose for Ethical Relativism?  (Consider in particular, the Mary example.)
11. What sort of contribution to the debate on Ethical Relativism have scientists like E.O. Wilson and Clyde Kluckhohn made ?
12. What is Pojman's strategy for refuting Ethical Relativism?  Do you find it persuasive?
13. Explain the three reasons that Pojman identifies to show why Ethical Relativism has gained some acceptance.