Study Guide
William H. Shaw - Relativism in Ethics

1. Explain the view that Shaw calls "Ethical Relativism". (This is also often called "Cultural Relativism".)
2. Shaw briefly considers a version of Ethical Relativism that holds that morality is relative to the individual. (This is elsewhere called "Subjectivism".) Shaw gives at least three objections to Subjectivism. Explain each.
3. What point is Shaw trying to make when he talks about slavery?
4. What point is Shaw trying to make when he talks about abortion?
5. Explain Shaw's point about smaller societies like Harlem, San Francisco, etc.
6. According to Shaw does the Ethical Relativist viewpoint allow for moral progress? Explain.
7. What sort of view of morality does Shaw favor instead of Ethical Relativism?