situational morality

[/ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃənəl məˈrælɪti/]
noun
moral relativa; moralidade situacional
1. An ethical approach where moral judgments are not based on fixed principles but vary depending on the circumstances, context, or consequences of a situation
Some critics argue that situational morality can lead to inconsistent ethical decisions.
Alguns críticos argumentam que a moralidade situacional pode levar a decisões éticas inconsistentes.
2. The practice of adjusting one's moral standards or principles based on what seems practical or advantageous in a given circumstance
He was accused of situational morality when he changed his position based on political convenience.
Ele foi acusado de moralidade situacional quando mudou sua posição por conveniência política.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, situational morality is often used critically to describe inconsistent ethical behavior, particularly in political discourse. In Brazil, it's frequently referenced when discussing corruption and political scandals. The concept is generally viewed negatively in formal ethics discussions but acknowledged pragmatically in business and political decision-making.
NYC Slang
playing by different rules; doing whatever works; moral flexibility
Synonyms / Sinônimos
relativismmoral relativismcontextual ethicspragmatic ethicsconsequentialism
Antonyms / Antônimos
absolutismmoral absolutismdeontological ethicsprinciple-based ethics

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
moralidade situacional; moral relativa
Most common usage in academic and formal contexts
São Paulo
moralidade situacional
Frequently used in business and political discussions
Rio de Janeiro
moral relativa; moralidade conforme a situação
Colloquial usage also employs 'moral de conveniência'
Portugal
moralidade situacional; relativismo moral
More formal and philosophical terminology preferred

Related Words

ethicsmoralityrelativismcontextualpragmatismconscienceintegrity

Related Idioms & Phrases

bending the rules
having flexible morals
adjusting one's principles
moral gymnastics
ethics à la carte
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