relativism

[rel-uh-tuh-viz-uhm]

noun

Philosophy.

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

relativism

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of relativism¹

First recorded in 1860–65; relative + -ism

Example Sentences

In a political system that rests on freedom of conscience, the objective truth made possible by the co-dependent relationship of reason and faith is the only antidote for moral relativism.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As an institution dedicated to the pursuit of truth, my school must stand firm against moral relativism.

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Moral relativism is hardly new in public life.

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A flamboyant clergyman with a flair for vaping, Tedesco promises to cease “the sacrilege of relativism, placing all faiths as equal.”

Read more on Salon

Climate denial imperils our existence and a pernicious relativism our democracy.

Read more on Los Angeles Times