ethical nihilism

9.9

A belief that nothing is really right or wrong

noun
/ˈɛθɪkəl ˈnaɪəlɪzəm/

Formal

: nihilismo ético

Some philosophers argue that ethical nihilism undermines the basis for moral judgment.

Examples

His writings are often criticized for promoting ethical nihilism in society.
Contemporary debates on morality frequently touch on the implications of ethical nihilism.
Many philosophers debate the concept of ethical nihilism.
Is ethical nihilism a valid philosophical stance?
Many philosophers debate the implications of ethical nihilism and its effect on morality.
Critics argue that ethical nihilism can lead to a lack of moral responsibility within society.
The concept of ethical nihilism raises questions about the nature of morality itself.

Synonyms

moral nihilism

vsethical nihilism

Specialized

1 9.9

A belief that there are no true rights or wrongs for everyone

states nothing is inherently moral or immoral

amoralism

vsethical nihilism

Specialized

9.9

Belief that right and wrong do not matter

focuses on denying inherent moral status rather than rejecting rules

How Moral

ethicism

Formal

9.9

moralism

7.7

emotivism

Specialized

9.9

ethical nihilism

Formal

9.9

Surface Forms

ethical nihilism singular

ethical nihilisms plural

Morphology

ethical + nihilism

The compound is directly built from 'ethical' (relating to morality) + 'nihilism' (a rejection of established beliefs), so its meaning — rejection or denial of moral values — follows compositionally. This semantic combination is regular and mirrored in many languages, making the sense predictable for a learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

Ethical nihilism comes from joining ethical, which is about right and wrong, and nihilism, where 'nihil' means 'nothing'. The image to remember is moral rules being empty or 'nothing', so the term describes the belief that nothing is truly 'good' or 'bad'.