Stephen Douglas accused Abraham Lincoln of wanting to “universalize” his anti-slavery policy

at
Categories
Tags

 

Stephen Douglas accused Abraham Lincoln of wanting to “universalize” his anti-slavery policy, which was certain to lead to political violence and civil war. As right as Lincoln might have been about the evil of slavery and the legality of banning it in the Western Territories, etc., was there something about his view of morality that always leads to conflict? Is Douglas-style moral relativism really the best way to avoid political conflict?
Abraham Lincoln may have lost the Illinois Senate race in 1858, but he definitely triumphed by becoming president and saving the Union in the Civil War. Still, whose argument is more prominent in our own time — Lincoln or Douglas? We certainly admire Lincoln more, but do we view morality the way he did, as a matter of reason and natural justice? Or do we think more like Douglas, looking more to popular agreement and even personal emotion to tell us what is right and wrong?

 

Sample Solution

Lincoln and Douglas: A Clash of Moralities

Stephen Douglas’ accusation that Abraham Lincoln sought to “universalize” his anti-slavery policy was a strategic move to portray Lincoln as a radical who would destabilize the Union. While Lincoln was indeed committed to ending slavery, he was also pragmatic and understood the political realities of his time. His approach was to contain slavery and prevent its expansion into new territories, rather than immediately abolishing it throughout the nation.

However, Lincoln’s view of morality, grounded in reason and natural justice, was fundamentally at odds with Douglas’ moral relativism. Douglas argued that the morality of slavery should be determined by the people of each territory, rather than by a national standard. This approach, while seemingly pragmatic, ultimately contributed to the deepening divisions that led to the Civil War.

Lincoln’s Legacy and Our Contemporary Moral Landscape

While Lincoln’s argument for the immorality of slavery is widely accepted today, his approach to morality is not always embraced. Contemporary society is often characterized by a more relativistic view of morality, influenced by factors such as cultural diversity, personal beliefs, and emotional responses.

While Lincoln’s emphasis on reason and natural justice remains influential, there is also a growing recognition of the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding different perspectives. This shift in moral thinking reflects a desire to create a more inclusive and tolerant society, but it also raises questions about the potential for moral relativism to undermine the pursuit of justice and equality.

Conclusion

The debate between Lincoln and Douglas highlights the complexities of moral reasoning and the challenges of achieving political consensus. While Lincoln’s view of morality ultimately prevailed, the legacy of Douglas’ moral relativism continues to influence contemporary discussions about ethics and politics. As we navigate an increasingly diverse and interconnected world, it is essential to find ways to balance the pursuit of universal values with respect for individual differences and cultural diversity.

This question has been answered.

Get Answer