Absolutism and relativism

An absolutist ethical stance is when it is assumed that there is an unchanging set of ethical principles which should always be obeyed regardless of the situation or any other pressures or factors that may be present. Typically described in universalist ways, absolutist ethics tends to be expressed in terms such as ‘it is always right to . . . ’, ‘it is never right to . . . ’ or ‘it is always wrong to . . . ’

Relativist ethical assumptions are those that assume that real ethical situations are more complicated than absolutists allow for. It is the view that there are a variety of acceptable ethical beliefs and practices and that the right and most appropriate belief depends on the situation. The best outcome is arrived at by examining the situation and making ethical assessments based on the best outcomes in that situation.