relativism

American  

[rel-uh-tuh-viz-uhm] / ˈrɛl ə təˌvɪz əm /

noun

Philosophy.

1. any theory holding that criteria of judgment are relative, varying with individuals and their environments.

---

relativism British  

/ ˈrɛlətɪˌvɪzəm /

noun

1. any theory holding that truth or moral or aesthetic value, etc, is not universal or absolute but may differ between individuals or cultures See also historicism

---

relativism Cultural  

1. The doctrine that no ideas or beliefs are universally true but that all are, instead, “relative” — that is, their validity depends on the circumstances in which they are applied.

---

Other Word Forms

• relativist noun

Etymology

Origin of relativism

First recorded in 1860–65; relative + -ism

Example Sentences

Moral relativism is hardly new in public life.

From The Wall Street Journal

If we once gestured towards ethical guidelines for conflict, then later worried over the effects of moral relativism, today, we don’t even bother.

From Salon

When he’s released and returns to Manhattan to rejoin his family, a new moral relativism follows him home.

From New York Times

But if we both take responsibility for the excesses of the extremes within our tribe and stay away from moral relativism, whataboutisms, and instead focus on our own accountability, there is hope.

From Salon

After John Paul II’s death in 2005, Benedict gave a defining speech against the “dictatorship of relativism,” delivered before the conclave to choose the next pope.

From New York Times