What does relativism in ethics primarily base ethical behavior on?

Relativism in ethics is the viewpoint that moral standards and ethical behavior are not absolute or universal, but instead are shaped by the opinions and behaviors of individuals or groups. This means that what is considered right or wrong can vary significantly depending on cultural, social, and situational contexts. Ethical relativism emphasizes the role of societal norms and the perspectives of those involved in a particular situation, suggesting that each culture or individual may have a unique understanding of morality that influences their choices and judgments.

In contrast, the other options propose fixed or universal systems of morality. Universal moral principles imply that there are objective ethical standards that apply to everyone, irreducible to local customs or opinions. Religious beliefs and doctrines focus on the mandates of specific faith traditions, which may not align with the varied ethical viewpoints across different cultures. Finally, grounding ethics in past experiences of the individual suggests a personal history could shape moral views, but this still does not encompass the broader societal influences that relativism emphasizes. Thus, relativism's primary focus on the opinions and behaviors of relevant people within a certain culture or context makes it a distinct perspective in ethical discussions.