Moral absolutism

Moral absolutism is a philosophy that regards (usually, a particular version of) morality as absolute, that is, not dependent on society or situation. In one sense, this is contrasted with moral relativism; in moral absolutism, morals are held to be independent of social custom and are instead inherent in the laws of the universe, the nature of humanity, or some other fundamental source. It is typified in such phrases as "Right is right and wrong is wrong."

Moral absolutism regards actions as inherently "good" or "bad". In some cases, this is taken to the more extreme position of regarding actions as good or bad regardless of the circumstances of the action. Lying, for instance, would always be a "bad" action, even if done to promote some other "good" result (e.g., saving a life). In this sense, it is in contrast to moral consequentialism, the view that the morality of an action is dependent on the context or consequences of that action.

Many religions have morally absolutist positions, regarding the system of morality as having been set by the deity or deities. They therefore regard such a moral system as absolute, (usually) perfect, and unchangeable. The philosophy of Objectivism also takes a morally absolutist stance, as it regards the laws of morality to be, like the laws of physics, inherent in the universe itself.

The philosopher Immanuel Kant was a promoter of moral absolutism.

See also: morality, ethics