Moral universalism (original) (raw)

Unlike moral absolutism, moral universalism, is the fundamental basis for universalist ethics, which are 'universally' applicable to humanity.

The position stated by moral absolutism, universalists believe, is an abstract concept which is unattainable. Absolutes are not within the domain of human reality, and thus cannot be a standard by which people are judged.

Still, the highest morality must be a goal for humanity. As there are those not bound by the Judaic Ten Commandments, or Eastern religious traditions, and since there is substantial disagreement between people of different religious traditions, a standard which describes the essence of all human moral though is necessary. A universal morality applies to all people in a secular way without basing its ideology in religious traditions.

The problem with absolute morality is that it defaults to moral relativism, by natural situational human conditions. This is true despite any claims of absolute morality, because its vague nature allows for no social accountability.

The world court, human rights, international law, and crimes against humanity, are all new terms that are part of global efforts to bring a universalist, equal, and common moral justice to all peoples.

There, is however, some form of universal abosolutism as a moral stance, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights being an example of this.