Does moral relativism make sense? Are all ethical theories equally good and deserving of our respect? Can a moral code be wrong? Should we always tolerate people and cultures who have different moral standards than we do?

One way of examining these questions is to compare two very different versions of the Ten Commandments. We will look at Richard Dawkins’ version and then the Ten Laws of Camp 14 in North Korea. And finally, we will consider the legitimacy of moral relativism in light of these contrasting systems of morality.

Here are Richard Dawkins’ Ten Commandments, from his book The God Delusion:

1. Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you.
2. In all things, strive to cause no harm. Continue reading →