When Politicians say they haven't changed their values--- Isn't values relative to begin with?

 

The shift from virtue to values in the West represents a profound transformation in the moral and philosophical framework that has long shaped Western civilization. Historically, Western moral philosophy was deeply rooted in Christian virtues drawn from classical philosophy, notably Aristotle and Christian teachings. These virtues, such as courage, temperance, justice, and faith, were regarded as objective truths grounded in a divine order, universally applicable regardless of personal circumstances. However, with the advent of the modern era, particularly during the Enlightenment and the rise of secularism, there was a gradual move away from these objective virtues toward what is now known as "values." Unlike virtues, values are often perceived as subjective, personal preferences that can vary from individual to individual. This shift has allowed for a more pluralistic approach to morality, where individuals or cultures can hold different, sometimes conflicting, values considered equally valid.

Friedrich Nietzsche played a central role in this philosophical shift. Nietzsche famously declared that "God is dead," a statement he used to signify the decline of absolute, objective moral values that were once rooted in Christian teachings. He argued that with the death of God, Western civilization lost its foundation for objective truth, including moral truth. Nietzsche criticized traditional Christian morality as life-denying, believing it suppressed the individual's true potential. In place of Christian virtues, Nietzsche introduced the concept of the "Übermensch" (Overman or Superman), who creates his own values by exercising the will to power. This revolutionary idea suggested that morality was not something to be discovered or adhered to but rather something to be created by the individual. Nietzsche's concept laid the groundwork for moral relativism, where ethical principles are seen as relative to the individual or culture rather than universally binding.

The embrace of values over virtues has opened the door to relative morality, where moral judgments become matters of personal or cultural preference rather than objective truth. This shift has led to a fragmentation of moral consensus in the West, undermining the idea of a shared moral framework and leading to social and cultural disintegration. With a common set of virtues or objective moral standards, it becomes increasingly easier to maintain social cohesion, as different groups or individuals follow their own subjective values, often in conflict. This moral relativism has contributed to the erosion of Western institutions and traditions once grounded in a shared understanding of virtue. The loss of a common moral foundation has weakened social bonds, increased polarization, and diminished the sense of community and purpose that once characterized Western societies.

The shift from virtue to values, heavily influenced by Nietzsche's philosophy, marks a significant turn from objective, universal moral standards rooted in Christian tradition toward a more individualistic, subjective morality. This transformation has led to the rise of relative morality, contributing to the West's moral and social fragmentation. It ultimately weakens Western civilization's cultural and social fabric and leads to a decline in its coherence and vitality.