Ethical absolutism
Ethical absolutism holds that at least some moral requirements apply without exception. In business ethics it is often contrasted with relativism. The claim concerns the status of moral requirements; agreement on a rule or the existence of a law does not itself demonstrate that the rule is morally absolute.
Worked example
A director argues that deliberately deceiving customers is wrong even when it would save jobs. The argument treats the prohibition as overriding the benefits claimed for this particular decision.
Common mistake
Confusing universal applicability with universal agreement, or assuming that every duty-based theory is necessarily absolutist.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | BT | Supporting | September 2026–June 2027 |
| ACCA | SBL | Supporting | September 2026–June 2027 |
| FIA | FBT | Supporting | September 2026–June 2027 |