A fourth argument against the theory of ethical relativism is that the theory produces incoherent and unacceptable consequences.
In particular, if the theory is correct, then it does not make sense to criticize the beliefs and practices of a society as long as the members of the society conform to their own ethical standard. Thus, for example, we would have no basis for criticizing the German’s treatment of Jews under Nazism except for failing to live up to their own principles of killing Jews as being the right thing to do. Similarly, we would have no basis for criticizing so called Jim Crow law that required, prior to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, segregation and discrimination against Aefrican Americans in parts of the United States. Under this line of reasoning, it world have been wrong to question Jim Crow laws back in the 1950s, and wrong to argue for passage of the Civil Rights Act. The critics of the theory of ethical relativism argue that these conclusion are nonsense that the only way a society can achieve pro gress is if debates, including debates on moral principles, are allowed.