Moral Realism vs. Moralism

Attribute	Moral Realism	Moralism
Belief in objective moral truths	Yes	Yes
Belief in moral facts independent of human opinion	Yes	Yes
Belief in universal moral principles	Yes	Yes
Emphasis on the existence of moral facts	Strong	Strong
Focus on the objectivity of morality	High	High

Moral Realism

Moral realism is a philosophical position that holds that moral statements are true or false independently of individual beliefs or cultural norms. In other words, moral realism asserts that there are objective moral facts that exist regardless of human opinions. Proponents of moral realism argue that moral truths are discovered rather than invented, and that there are universal moral principles that apply to all individuals and societies.

One of the key attributes of moral realism is its commitment to the existence of moral facts that are independent of human subjectivity. This means that moral realism posits the existence of an objective moral reality that is not contingent on individual beliefs or cultural practices. Proponents of moral realism often argue that moral truths are discovered through reason and reflection, rather than being created by human beings.

Another important aspect of moral realism is its emphasis on the idea of moral objectivity. Moral realists believe that there are objective moral standards that apply universally to all individuals, regardless of their personal beliefs or cultural background. This means that moral realism rejects the idea that morality is purely subjective or relative.

Furthermore, moral realism often appeals to the notion of moral facts as being mind-independent. This means that moral truths exist independently of human minds and are not simply a product of human thought or perception. Proponents of moral realism argue that moral facts have an objective existence that is separate from individual beliefs or opinions.

Overall, moral realism is characterized by its commitment to the existence of objective moral truths that are independent of human subjectivity and cultural norms. Proponents of moral realism argue that moral facts are discovered rather than invented, and that there are universal moral principles that apply to all individuals and societies.

Moralism

Moralism, on the other hand, is a philosophical position that emphasizes the importance of moral values and principles in guiding human behavior. Moralism is often associated with the idea that moral judgments are based on personal beliefs and values, rather than objective moral facts. Proponents of moralism argue that moral decisions should be made based on individual conscience and ethical principles.

One of the key attributes of moralism is its focus on the role of personal beliefs and values in shaping moral judgments. Moralists believe that moral decisions should be guided by individual conscience and ethical principles, rather than by external standards or objective moral facts. This means that moralism places a strong emphasis on the importance of personal integrity and moral character.

Another important aspect of moralism is its emphasis on the idea of moral subjectivity. Moralists believe that moral judgments are ultimately subjective and are based on individual beliefs and values. This means that moralism rejects the idea of objective moral truths that exist independently of human subjectivity.

Furthermore, moralism often appeals to the notion of moral decisions as being context-dependent. This means that moral judgments are influenced by the specific circumstances and context in which they occur. Proponents of moralism argue that moral decisions should take into account the particularities of each situation, rather than relying on universal moral principles.

Overall, moralism is characterized by its emphasis on the importance of personal beliefs and values in shaping moral judgments. Proponents of moralism argue that moral decisions should be guided by individual conscience and ethical principles, rather than by external standards or objective moral facts.

Comparing Moral Realism and Moralism

When comparing moral realism and moralism, it is important to consider their differing views on the nature of moral truths. Moral realism asserts the existence of objective moral facts that are independent of human subjectivity, while moralism emphasizes the role of personal beliefs and values in shaping moral judgments.

Additionally, moral realism and moralism differ in their views on the source of moral principles. Moral realism posits that moral truths are discovered through reason and reflection, while moralism argues that moral decisions are based on individual conscience and ethical principles.

Furthermore, moral realism and moralism differ in their views on the universality of moral standards. Moral realism believes in the existence of universal moral principles that apply to all individuals and societies, while moralism emphasizes the subjective nature of moral judgments and the importance of personal beliefs and values.

In conclusion, while moral realism and moralism both address the issue of morality, they do so from different perspectives. Moral realism emphasizes the existence of objective moral facts that are independent of human subjectivity, while moralism focuses on the role of personal beliefs and values in shaping moral judgments.