"Nothing is more likely to distort our understanding of reality than the notion of relativism." (Rombouts 257). Relativism is the belief that truth and principles are not absolute but only relative to a person or group of people. Absolutism is the acceptance of absolute principles. Both of these ethical philosophies are found today and have been present since the beginning of recorded history. History also demonstrates the negative impact or weakness of a relative culture. The philosophy of relativism is a growing trend in American student society. In Fahrenheit 451, relativism constitutes almost the entire society. This story demonstrates that the course of a society without solid principles can be destructive. Today in American society absolutists are seen as closed-minded and judgmental due to external misconceptions. For example, in the article Confronting Relativism by William B. Irvine, he lists many misconceptions, including "absolutists see the world only in terms of black and white." An example would be that an individual believes that binge drinking is harmful to student society. Some relativists might say that this individual is judgmental and “not funny” because he doesn't hurt anyone. There is little basis for this argument. Absolutist students today face rejection from those who have no absolute truths around them. Relativism is the result when one does not realize the outcome of one's actions (Irvine 42). Self-interest is a main characteristic of relativism. Most students find that once they think about things they actually become “hidden absolutists” (Irvine 47). Absolutists in Fahrenheit 451 society are oppressed. For example, Clarisse, Montag, and Faber all experienced or feared the judgment of those around them...... middle of paper ...... edu>Irvine, William B. “Confronting Relativism” Academic Questions . 14.1 (2000) 42. Academic research completed. EBSCOhost. Stratton Taylor Coll. Lib., okay. October 23, 2013.Seed, David. “Escaping the Good Life: Fahrenheit 451 in the Context of Postwar American Dystopias.” In Modern Critical Interpretations: Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 2001, edited by Harold Bloom, 75-88. Broomall: Chelsea House Publishers, 2001, 2003.Bradbury, Ray. "Fahrenheit 451." 44-49. New York: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks 2013.Bradbury, Ray. "Fahrenheit 451."54-55. New York: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks 2013. Lind, Georg. “Moral competence and democratic lifestyle”. European Journal of Psychology. 7.4 (2011): 569-596. Academic research completed. EBSCOhost. Stratton Taylor Coll. Lib., okay. October 26. 2013.