While both moral nihilism and moral relativism challenge traditional views of morality, they differ significantly in their core beliefs.
Moral Nihilism: No Morality Exists
Moral nihilism argues that morality is fundamentally meaningless. There are no objective moral truths, and concepts like "good" and "evil" are simply human constructs. Nihilism rejects the existence of any universal moral principles or values.
- Example: A nihilist might argue that murder is not inherently wrong, but rather a consequence of our subjective beliefs about what is acceptable.
Moral Relativism: Morality is Relative
Moral relativism, on the other hand, asserts that morality is relative to individuals or cultures. It acknowledges that different societies and individuals may hold different moral beliefs, and these beliefs are equally valid.
- Example: A moral relativist might accept that polygamy is morally acceptable in some cultures, even if it is considered wrong in others.
Key Differences:
- Nihilism: Denies the existence of any objective morality.
- Relativism: Accepts the existence of morality, but believes it is relative to individuals or cultures.
In Summary:
Moral nihilism rejects the very idea of morality, while moral relativism acknowledges the existence of morality but considers it subjective.
