MCAT® ExamCritical Analysis and Reasoning SkillsEasy
A historian is analyzing primary sources from the American Civil War. They notice that many soldiers, despite facing horrific conditions and high mortality rates, expressed strong moral justifications for their cause, often rooted in universal principles of freedom or duty. This approach to understanding morality, where certain ethical truths are considered absolute and universally applicable, aligns with which philosophical concept?
- AMoral Relativism
- BUniversalism
- CUtilitarianism
- DExistentialism
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Universalism
Universalism is the philosophical concept that certain ethical principles or truths are absolute and apply universally to all people, regardless of culture, time, or individual belief. The soldiers' appeal to 'universal principles of freedom or duty' directly reflects this idea.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Moral relativism posits that moral judgments are true or false only relative to particular standpoints, not universally. (Incorrect)
- C. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that determines right from wrong by focusing on outcomes, specifically maximizing overall happiness. (Incorrect)
- D. Existentialism emphasizes individual freedom, responsibility, and the creation of meaning, rather than universal moral laws. (Incorrect)
Universalism (Ethics)
The philosophical position that certain ethical principles or truths are absolute and apply universally to all people.
- Contrasts with moral relativism.
- Often rooted in reason, divine command, or natural law.
- Suggests a common moral framework for humanity.
Memory trick: Universal truths are like global laws for morality.