Which ethical position emphasizes universal moral standards that apply regardless of culture or situation?

Which ethical position emphasizes universal moral standards that apply regardless of culture or situation?

• A. Ethical Relativism
• B. Ethical Absolutism
• C. Altruism
• D. Retributive Justice

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is the idea that some moral standards are universal and unchanging. Ethical absolutism holds that there are fixed moral rules that apply everywhere, regardless of culture or situation. This means certain actions are right or wrong no matter the context—moral duties or prohibitions that stand across all societies. For example, an absolutist view would hold that acts like torture or murder are inherently wrong, regardless of cultural norms that might permit or justify them. By contrast, ethical relativism would argue that what’s considered right or wrong depends on cultural context, so universal rules don’t apply. Altruism describes acting for others’ benefit, not about universal standards. Retributive justice concerns the fairness of punishment for wrongdoings, not whether universal moral rules exist.

The concept being tested is the idea that some moral standards are universal and unchanging. Ethical absolutism holds that there are fixed moral rules that apply everywhere, regardless of culture or situation. This means certain actions are right or wrong no matter the context—moral duties or prohibitions that stand across all societies. For example, an absolutist view would hold that acts like torture or murder are inherently wrong, regardless of cultural norms that might permit or justify them. By contrast, ethical relativism would argue that what’s considered right or wrong depends on cultural context, so universal rules don’t apply. Altruism describes acting for others’ benefit, not about universal standards. Retributive justice concerns the fairness of punishment for wrongdoings, not whether universal moral rules exist.