Modern Relativism & Abortion

The problem is to evaluate whether an absolute right or wrong in society is correct or should be judged by the individual concerned.

The concept of modern relativism does not accept this belief that there is something called absolute right or wrong in a given situation. It is dependent on the individual to let him or her judge about the situation. Solution states that moral relativism neglects such a belief, which is reflected in the arguments related to abortion.

No doubt there are certain issues where everything is dependent on the choice and preference of an individual to decide what is right or wrong in any given situation. Modern relativism is a critical element that is prevailing in the postmodern thinking of modern society (Giersson and Margaret).

The politically correct viewpoints are seen as more open-minded by modern relativists.  Moral relativism tends to be less prescriptive and more descriptive in their attitude and behavior. The subjective grounding of relativism is such that it puts moral thoughts solely on every individual (Steffen).

Moral relativism occurs when subjective truth is replaced by objective truth. Subjective truth is based on a personal preference or a truth claimed by an individual. On the other side, subjective truth is based on the reality of the world, which cannot be changed by internal feelings. For example, earth is round is a universal or objective truth (Donnelly, pp. 107-129).
Moral relativism is predicted when there are claims of one's preference and is a component of subjective feelings.

Similar is the issue related to that of moral relativism and abortion. According to Christianity, the Bible teaches that abortion is wrong, believes in objective truth, and considers protecting innocent life. But moral relativism claims to be morally neutral.

Morality is not about imposing moral values on others but means sharing wisdom and giving reasons to others so that they believe you (moral relativism & abortion).

According to relativism, there should be a right for all to decide what is right and what is wrong. The practice of abortion doesn't need to be always wrong according to one person and right according to another (Nassehi, Saake, and Mayr, pp. 129-156).

This depends on the choice of the individual to undergo an abortion or not. “The issue ultimately involved is whether there is a source of truth higher than, and independent of, man, and the answer to the question is decisive for one's view of the nature and destiny of man,” given by Richard M. Weaver.

This is so, as it is the right of a woman to decide what she wants to do with her body and what not. Every human being has the right to own his or her own body, and the fetus is a part of a woman's body, so she has the right to decide whether she wants an abortion or not (Abortion and Moral Relativism).

In addition to this, it can be argued that the concept of moral relativism about abortion holds in many aspects (Harman). This is so, as there should be no such law that frames policies against abortion because this only creates unfairness upon execution. This is so that those who can carry on the process illegally can do it safely while others have to bear the children they cannot afford to grow.

This problem of moral relativism and abortion needs to be solved, as there are various issues regarding this. Views regarding this are different for different people and everyone holds different views. One woman should indeed have the right to abortion and make her decision on her own, as she is also a human being and she also has the right to live freely and according to her own choice (Abortion is moral relativism at its most lethal: Part 1).

References

Books and journals

• Donnelly, John. “Development Ethics and Moral Engagement: Some Political and Ethical Dilemmas in Development Research”. Studies in Qualitative Methodology. 8 (2007):107-129.
• Giersson, Heimir and Holmgren, Margaret. Ethical Theory: A Concise Anthology. Broadview Press, 2000.
• Harman, Gilbert. Explaining Value and Other Essays in Moral Philosophy. Oxford University Press, 2000.
• Kegode, George. Abortion and Morality Debate in the African Context: A Philosophical Enquiry. African Books Collective, 2010.

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