What are the main objections against moral relativism?

Moral relativism, the view that moral judgments are culturally or individually determined, faces several objections:

1. Inherent Contradiction: Critics argue that the claim "all moral beliefs are relative" is itself a universal, absolute statement, leading to an inherent contradiction within moral relativism.

2. Inability to Critique: If all moral beliefs are deemed equally valid, moral relativism struggles to provide a basis for critiquing or condemning practices such as genocide or slavery, as it lacks a universal moral standard.

3. Limits Moral Progress: The absence of a shared moral framework impedes moral progress, as there is no objective basis for challenging harmful practices or advocating for positive change across diverse cultures.

4. Cultural Imperialism: Moral relativism has been accused of inadvertently promoting cultural imperialism by inhibiting the critique of harmful practices in the name of respecting cultural differences, potentially allowing for the oppression of certain groups.

5. Individual Autonomy: Critics argue that moral relativism, by emphasizing individual or cultural autonomy, can lead to a moral solipsism where any action is justified if an individual or culture deems it acceptable, regardless of broader ethical considerations.

These objections highlight concerns about internal consistency, moral progress, cultural sensitivity, and the potential for moral relativism to lead to undesirable consequences, ultimately challenging its viability as a coherent ethical framework.