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

We needn’t choose between wide-open moral relativism and a rigid insistence that there is just one right way to live.

From Nautilus

In a few neat sentences, Perry turns the idea of moral obligation into moral relativism.

From The Daily Beast

But no spineless relativism is necessary to recognize that, for most human beings, realness comes in various flavors.

From The Daily Beast

But in bilateral human-rights dialogues, the Chinese continue to insist on cultural and historical relativism.

From The Daily Beast

Not too long ago, that idea was kind of out of vogue, and moral relativism was the rage.

From The Daily Beast

Andrew Roberts on how moral relativism is keeping bad guys from getting what they deserve.

From The Daily Beast

Jefferson's relativism is even more clearly marked in the last chapter, which forms the real conclusion of the book.

From Project Gutenberg

If this one exception is granted, the whole illusory universe of relativism is overthrown.

From Project Gutenberg

The inevitable consequence is that we imprison ourselves hopelessly in the affirmation of Kantian relativism.

From Project Gutenberg

The former view is relativism, the latter is absolutism, in the matter of truth.

From Project Gutenberg