Abstract
This article analyzes the thesis of ethical relativism, as defended by Alchourrón and Bulygin (1983). These authors offer, on the one hand, a suggestive conception according to which the question “what are our obligations?” is equivalent to thinking about what is to be done; on the other hand, they defend a relativist conception of ethics. They present three objections to constructivist accounts of ethics that are not relativist: a) the argument of the burden of the proof; b) a version of the dilemma of Euthyphro, and c) the argument of particularism. This article presents counterarguments to these objections in the attempt to show that they are not conclusive and that a space therefore remains for objectivity in the normative sphere.
Highlights
ON DEONTIC TRUTH AND VALUESSUMMARY: This article analyzes the thesis of ethical relativism, as defended by Alchourrón and Bulygin (1983)
Suppose that I borrow Tolstoy’s book Anna Karenina from my friend Anne
All a relativist must do is to deny the principle of correlation, i.e. that the satisfaction of certain formal conditions leads necessarily to a consensus regarding the same hierarchy. It is the absolutist who has the burden of proof. (Alchourrón-Bulygin 1983, pp. 33–35)
Summary
SUMMARY: This article analyzes the thesis of ethical relativism, as defended by Alchourrón and Bulygin (1983) These authors offer, on the one hand, a suggestive conception according to which the question “what are our obligations?” is equivalent to thinking about what is to be done; on the other hand, they defend a relativist conception of ethics. They present three objections to constructivist accounts of ethics that are not relativist: a) the argument of the burden of the proof; b) a version of the dilemma of Euthyphro, and c) the argument of particularism. According to the laws of reasoning, the burden of proof is borne by those who hold the affirmative
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