relativism

[ rel-uh-tuh-viz-uhm ]

noun

, Philosophy.

1. any theory holding that criteria of judgment are relative, varying with individuals and their environments.

relativism

/ ˈrɛlətɪˌvɪzəm /

noun

1. any theory holding that truth or moral or aesthetic value, etc, is not universal or absolute but may differ between individuals or cultures See also historicism

relativism

1. The doctrine that no ideas or beliefs are universally true but that all are, instead, “relative” — that is, their validity depends on the circumstances in which they are applied.

Derived Forms

• ˈrelativist, nounadjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of relativism¹

First recorded in 1860–65; relative + -ism

Example Sentences

Climate denial imperils our existence and a pernicious relativism our democracy.

From Los Angeles Times

Putin's vague remarks about religion were artfully dull and entirely unspecific, and to Carlson's ears might have sounded alarmingly like Western moral relativism.

From Salon

Has the hangover of moral relativism gotten so bad that the brutal deaths of 1,200 justify a literally limitless response?

From Salon

When he’s released and returns to Manhattan to rejoin his family, a new moral relativism follows him home.

From New York Times

But if we both take responsibility for the excesses of the extremes within our tribe and stay away from moral relativism, whataboutisms, and instead focus on our own accountability, there is hope.

From Salon