ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on key terms like relativism, absolutism, realism, subjectivism and intrinsic/extrinsic values. It explores metaphysical and epistemological aspects of realism and subjectivism in metaethics, addressing how these perspectives view the existence and knowledge of moral duties, goods and values. The chapter also delves into normative relativism versus anti-relativism (absolutism) in metaethics, discussing the relationship between human preferences and moral values. Additionally, it touches on ethical particularism versus generalism, rational decision-making and the concept of moral preferences. To avoid disputes over terminology and ensure clarity, this chapter introduces regulatory definitions for terms that have varied meanings in the literature. Such terminological arrangements are appropriate here, especially because critics of situation ethics unanimously complain that the theory is based on fundamental ambiguities.
