Ethics and Morality: --"Each man must grant himself the emotions that he needs and the morality that suits him." --Rémy de Gourmont
The school of existentialism proclaims moral relativism. All individuals, it says, have their own life situations. No two are identical, for everyone else is part of the environment in which decisions must be made. All choices involve risk. There are no principles or standards that are right for all people at all times. New situations demand new approaches. What was once valid may be inappropriate now. In the world of the 20th century--with its rapid changes, endless wars, and moral upheaval--the ideas of existentialism have seemed correct to many people in the world.
Some existentialists base their position on religion. Even here they say it is impossible to fall back on moral laws or principles in making decisions. Choices must be made on faith, often in conflict with traditional moral guidelines. Individuals trust that what they are doing is right, but they can be entirely wrong. They commit themselves to the unknown, and the decision can often be an agonizing problem.
