---
title: "Ethical Relativism: Definition for UPSC GS4 | Model Diplomat"
description: "Ethical relativism asserts that moral judgments are valid only within specific cultures or individuals, impacting debates in ethics and diplomacy."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/ethical-relativism"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Ethical relativism is the metaethical position that moral judgments are valid only relative to a particular culture, society, or individual, with no universal standard of right and wrong.
- How does ethical relativism differ from cultural relativism?
- Why is ethical relativism often criticized as self-refuting?
- Can a relativist consistently advocate tolerance of other cultures?
- How is ethical relativism relevant to UPSC GS4 and public administration?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Ethical relativism is the metaethical position that moral judgments are valid only relative to a particular culture, society, or individual, with no universal standard of right and wrong.

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In its 1993 Bangkok Declaration, a group of Asian governments invoked relativist reasoning, arguing that human rights must account for "regional particularities" and cultural backgrounds, challenging the universalism of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

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