David Hume’s philosophy contains elements that can be interpreted as

supporting a form of moral relativism. While Hume did not explicitly advocate
for moral relativism, his ideas can be seen as laying the foundation for such a
perspective. Here’s an explanation of how Hume’s philosophy is related to moral
relativism:

Subjectivity of Morality: Hume emphasized the subjectivity of moral judgments. He argued that
moral distinctions are not rooted in objective facts but are based on individual sentiments and emotions.
What one person finds morally praiseworthy or blameworthy is not necessarily the same as what
another person believes. This subjectivity forms the basis for moral relativism, as it implies that moral
judgments are contingent on individual perspectives.

Cultural Influence: Hume recognized that societal norms and practices, as well as cultural
influences, shape our moral judgments. He argued that customs and traditions significantly impact our
moral sentiments. In different societies and cultural contexts, the criteria for what is considered morally
right or wrong can vary. This cultural relativity aligns with the idea of moral relativism, where moral
judgments are not universal but depend on the specific cultural and societal context.

Empirical Basis: Hume’s empiricist stance on knowledge implies that our moral judgments are
derived from our experiences. We observe human actions and their consequences, and our moral
sentiments develop based on these observations. Since different individuals and societies have varying
experiences and observations, their moral judgments may differ, supporting the idea of moral relativism.

Is-Ought Problem: Hume’s identification of the “is-ought problem” underscores the distinction
between descriptive statements (what “is”) and normative statements (what “ought to be”). He argued
that moral claims cannot be derived from factual or descriptive statements about the world. Instead,
moral judgments involve an interplay of emotions and sentiments, which can vary among individuals,
leading to moral relativism.

While Hume’s philosophy does not explicitly endorse moral relativism, it

provides a framework that aligns with some of the core ideas of moral
relativism. Hume’s emphasis on the subjectivity of moral judgments, the influence of culture and
custom, and the role of individual sentiment in moral decision-making all contribute to a perspective
that suggests that moral values and judgments are not absolute but contingent on individual and societal
factors. This interpretation of Hume’s philosophy has influenced contemporary discussions of moral
relativism and the variability of moral beliefs and practices across different cultures and individuals.