Section D: 3.1 Morality in a pluralist society


We live a pluralist society, where different perspectives have contributed to a variety of viewpoints, often resulting in contentious moral debates. Discussion of moral conflicts are often marred by two contrasting ideologies – fundamentalism and relativism. These two positions occupy opposite ends of the spectrum and for this reason they have the potential to obscure rather than illuminate, and can potentially contribute to a moral fog.


Exam Question

Fundamentalism, Relativism. Explain the understanding of the above terms, giving contemporary examples of both.



Fundamentalism expresses itself as a desire to be clear about the essential truths of a faith. It is characterised by a literal interpretation of scripture and moral laws. Historically fundamentalism is evident in the example of the Scopes Trial, held in Tennessee in 1925. In this case a teacher was brought to court for teaching the theory of evolution. This practice was against Butler Law, which was a state law at this time. Fundamentalists had enshrined in state law that to teach contrary to their understanding of the Genesis creation account was illegal. Their commitment to the authority of scripture lead to the rejection of evidence that seemed to contradict it.

A contemporary example of fundamentalism is the Taliban regime in Afghanistan (1996 – 2001). The Taliban is an Islamic fundamentalist political movement that enforced a strict interpretation of Sharia law and sought to limit Western influence. The Taliban has been condemned internationally for its treatment of women. It issued edicts which forbade women from being educated – those who wished to leave their homes had to be accompanied by a male relative and were required to wear a burqa. Those who appeared to disobey were publicly beaten. Under the Taliban regime Sharia law was interpreted to forbid a wide variety of previously lawful activities in Afghanistan, including: television, alcohol, computers, musical equipment, statues, pictures, dancing, clapping during sports events and kite flying.

Relativism argues that we can never come to an agreement about what is ultimately right or wrong. It was a philosophical position adopted by the Sophists in ancient Greece. They believed that there was no right or wrong, no objective truth – there are only subjective claims. They believed this cleared the way for individuals, specifically those in power, to create their own truth – if it proved persuasive, then it gave them power. It was a philosophy that Socrates strongly opposed, instead insisting that a commitment to truth, beauty and goodness was a moral necessity.

We encounter relativism in many contemporary moral debates. It may stem from tolerating all opinions. Our desire to promote tolerance and respect for others’ beliefs may lead us to saying there is no objective moral theory – everything depends on circumstance – all opinions of are equal merit. This creates a significant problem for us. When Friedrich Nietzsche discussed the concept of nihilism he was describing a state of extreme relativism – one that left the individual cast adrift in the world, with no tradition or authority to fall back on. It was a rootless position, where all choices are equally valid, but none are of any value.

In the contemporary context consider the issue of women’s clothing – in some middle-eastern countries a strict dress code is enforced (e.g. Saudi Arabia). What’s perfectly acceptable here (bare arms/shoulders, short skirts, etc.) is deemed taboo in these countries. Both cultures believe they are respecting women – and detractors on both sides would say that these cultures are cruel and maledominated. 

In middle-eastern culture the concept of preserving women’s modesty may be seen as enforced upon them by a patriarchal society. In western culture the expectation for women to appear attractive may be perceived as women succumbing to the tyranny of the male gaze – accepting that their worth is somehow related to whether they’re perceived as attractive or not. Which culture is right and which is wrong?
Allowing either a fundamentalist or relativist view form the basis of your worldview is potentially damaging. Fundamentalism’s loyalty to scripture may prove an obstacle to knowledge and relativism sacrifices any commitment to truth in favour of a valueless tolerance.

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