It is not accurate to say that all philosophers agree that morality is subjective. In fact, the topic of moral objectivity versus moral subjectivity is one of the central and debated issues in philosophy. Different philosophical schools of thought and individual philosophers hold a wide range of views on the nature of morality. Let's explore the main positions:
Moral Subjectivism: Moral subjectivism posits that morality is subjective and depends on individual beliefs, feelings, or cultural norms. According to this view, moral judgments are not grounded in any objective standard; instead, they are expressions of personal preferences or cultural conditioning. Different individuals or societies may have different moral codes, and there is no universally valid moral truth.
Moral Relativism: Moral relativism is a form of subjectivism that extends the subjectivity of morality to cultural or societal levels. It suggests that moral values and principles are relative to specific cultures or societies. What is considered morally right or wrong can vary across different cultures, and there is no absolute moral truth applicable to all societies.
Moral Objectivism: Moral objectivism asserts that moral principles and values are objective and exist independently of individual beliefs or cultural norms. According to this view, some moral truths are universally valid and apply to all rational beings regardless of personal opinions or cultural practices. Moral objectivists argue that moral facts can be discovered through reason, empirical evidence, or other objective means.
Within moral objectivism, there are further debates about the source or foundation of objective moral values. For example:
Ethical Realism: Ethical realists believe that moral facts exist as objective properties of the world. They argue that moral truths are akin to objective facts about the natural world and can be discovered through reason and observation.
Divine Command Theory: Some moral objectivists base objective morality on the commands of a higher authority, such as a deity or a divine being. They argue that moral principles are grounded in the will of the divine.
Natural Law Theory: Natural law theorists contend that objective moral principles are derived from the nature of human beings and the natural order of the world.
It is essential to recognize that philosophical discussions on the nature of morality are ongoing, and no single consensus view exists among all philosophers. Different schools of thought and individual philosophers hold diverse perspectives on the subject, making it a complex and rich area of philosophical inquiry.