An Argument Against Moral Relativism.

This video is part of the Descriptive Utilitarianism playlist where we argue that Utilitarianism is prominently present in Human behavior. As a matter of fact, Utilitarian tendencies can be found cross-culturally and at all observed time frames of human existence.
Maybe the emergent empirical phenomenon we call human morality could be largely explained under the utilitarian paradigm?


Abstract:
Metaethical moral relativism is the claim that the truth or falsity of moral judgments, or their justification, is not absolute or universal, but is relative to the traditions, convictions, or practices of a group of persons. This belief is usually justified constructing an argument based on descriptive moral relativism: The observation that, as a matter of empirical fact, there are deep and widespread moral disagreements across different societies, that we can't find any common ground on.
In the video, we provide an argument against metaethical moral relativism based on revisiting the strength of descriptive moral relativism. To do so we point out a possible common structure that encompasses the overwhelming majority of societal norms.




Other thoughts:


1) While editing the video I though it could be possible to partially incorporate Foucault's idea of regimes of power into our account. In our case, the regimes of power would have to behave according to some principles, to give rise to the structures underlying the emergence of moral norms. But this is coherent with a shared desire for a happier society, the desire will have the power of the many backing it up. The regimes of power would then be build around this desire with a certain variability given by different initial conditions/variables.


2) In his answer to the moral relativist Noam Chomsky also calls into question descriptive moral relativism by appealing to a common human nature. I tend to believe that we could see the idea of goodness as collective well as being implied by human nature or directly included in it.


3) Maybe our claims on how moral norms emerge are too strong. We could weaken them slightly by introducing the idea that norms that emerge out of the will to pursue collective happiness are the ones that will likely stand the test of time. So they are the most prevalent.
Others will dissipate fairly quickly showing that collective well-being is the "best" common currency.


4) I tend to believe that the norm internalization phase, at least in the ancient past, was often facilitated by the norm enterpreneur himself (prohet) and associates (disciples) that understood his project. They could have willingly created all sorts of ad hoc arguments (religion) to speed up the process of norm internalization. Agents that are more rational or cunning may, in their view, benevolently "trick" less rational humans to encourage a widespread norm cascade.

5) The cultural norm of waging war may also fit into the framework we discuss in the video,
the emergence is due to a scarcity of resources and a lack of information regarding other groups of humans. Hundred of thousands of years ago one may conceive of scenarios where war with neighboring tribes might be the best solution to increase well-being in an environment of limited information. Thus the norm may emerge in the service of well-being.



Citations


Video of Noam Chomsky:
   • Noam Chomsky on Moral Relativism and ...  


Thick and Thin: Moral Argument at Home and Abroad, Michael Walzer, 1994.


Intuitive ethics: How innately prepared intuitions generate culturally variable virtues, J Haidt, C Joseph - Daedalus, 2004 - MIT Press.


International Norm Dynamics and Political
Change, Martha Finnemore, Kathryn Sikkink
International Organization ,1998.


Moral dumbfounding: when intuition finds no reason, F. Björklund, J. Haidt, Scott Murphy, Philosophy, 2000.


Christian Intolerance of Homosexuality, David F. Greenberg, Marcia H. Bystryn, American Journal of Sociology, 1982.

Homosexuality according to ancient Greek physicians
K Laios, M M Moschos, E Koukaki, M-I Kontaxaki, G Androutsos, Psychiatriki, 2017.



Moral Tribes, Joshua Greene, 2013.