Is Morality Just a Matter of Opinion? What ‘Being Good’ Reveals About the Ethics Debate

Cutting Through the Noise: Blackburn’s Take on Relativism, Subjectivism, and Why Ethics Still Matters

“Who are you to judge?” “That’s just your opinion!” If you’ve ever heard these lines, you’ve brushed up against one of the most pressing questions in modern ethics: is morality really just a matter of taste? Simon Blackburn’s ‘Being Good’ provides a refreshing—and much needed—antidote to the confusion and cynicism that often surround moral debates.

Blackburn begins by acknowledging the appeal of relativism. After all, cultures do disagree about right and wrong, and personal preferences run deep. But he warns that if we accept relativism wholesale, we lose the ability to criticize even the most obvious injustices—slavery, genocide, or the oppression of minorities. Instead of tolerance, we risk sliding into indifference.

Blackburn’s solution is not dogmatism, but dialogue. He urges us to recognize both the diversity of moral beliefs and the common human needs that underlie them. For example, while burial rituals differ, respect for the dead is nearly universal. By focusing on shared values and open conversation, we can avoid both the arrogance of imposing our views and the paralysis of saying nothing matters.

Throughout the book, Blackburn uses real-world examples—from historical atrocities to everyday dilemmas—to show why some actions really are worse than others, and why we need standards that can be discussed, criticized, and improved. He reminds us that ethics is not about winning arguments, but about making life better for everyone.

So next time you’re tempted to throw up your hands and say “it’s all relative,” remember Blackburn’s advice: keep the conversation going. Ask questions, listen well, and don’t be afraid to stand up for what matters. In a world desperate for meaning, ethics is our best hope for bridging the gap between difference and understanding.