What else could you possibly mean other than absolute basis?
I can call Gandalf morally superior to Sauron (1) on the basis of my moral standards.
If I’m understanding your question correctly, you think I can’t possibly do this; that my own moral standards aren’t sufficient basis for calling Gandalf morally superior to Sauron; that I have to invoke an absolute morality in order to do that.
Is that right? I have to admit, that strikes me as a silly idea, but I assure you I’m not mocking you here… I can’t come up with any other interpretation of your question. If you mean something different, I’d appreciate correction.
(1) Actually, it has been long enough ago since I read LoTR that I’m not actually certain of that judgment… I can’t recall what Sauron actually did beyond being everyone’s chosen enemy. As I recall, we don’t actually get to see much of Sauron’s activity. But I’m assuming for the sake of the argument that if I reread the books I would in fact conclude he was morally inferior to Gandalf.
I can call Gandalf morally superior to Sauron (1) on the basis of my moral standards.
If I’m understanding your question correctly, you think I can’t possibly do this; that my own moral standards aren’t sufficient basis for calling Gandalf morally superior to Sauron; that I have to invoke an absolute morality in order to do that.
Is that right? I have to admit, that strikes me as a silly idea, but I assure you I’m not mocking you here… I can’t come up with any other interpretation of your question. If you mean something different, I’d appreciate correction.
(1) Actually, it has been long enough ago since I read LoTR that I’m not actually certain of that judgment… I can’t recall what Sauron actually did beyond being everyone’s chosen enemy. As I recall, we don’t actually get to see much of Sauron’s activity. But I’m assuming for the sake of the argument that if I reread the books I would in fact conclude he was morally inferior to Gandalf.