Early Eastern vs Western Philosophy

Between the 4th and 6th centuries (B.C.), the philosophical world was turned on its head as a new vanguard of thinkers emerged to challenge the traditional beliefs. Across the planet, the proponents of the old theory and lore were engaged in verbal and psychological battle with their younger counterparts; and the most heated of these debates likely arose in what would become the birthplace of modern philosophy-Greece.

It was in Greece-particularly Athens-that a new breed of thinker was born. These new philosophers were known as the Sophists; they were teachers, travellers, and experienced in many paths of life. These men refused to believe in the inherent moral values of past generations. The Sophists were firm believers in the idea that pursuing one's desires, such as power and wealth, would lead to the best possible life achievable. In addition, they proclaimed that men were not held accountable to any standardized ethical system, rather that men were subject only to values relevant to themselves. This perspective would become identified as Relativism. Within this concept, there are several distinct schools of thought: Individual Relativism, Cultural Relativism, and Morally Realistic Relativism. While the ideal of moral and ethical relativity are common to each of these, the actual level at which it is observed is where they tend to differ. Individual Relativism is dependent on the restrictions that a specific person imposes on his or herself in accordance with their own sense of values. Cultural Relativism is defined not by its individuals whims, but by the cumulative opinions of a community or body of people as a single entity. Finally, Moral Realism implies that people's values should be set by those in power, regardless of whom that may be.