"Things considered right in the past are evil now."
Haru said while looking at the history textbook.
"Like slavery," Ren gave an example.
"So does good and evil change with the times?"
Simon answered from the side. "It varies by culture too. Some societies allow polygamy."
Haru was confused. "So there's no absolute good and evil?"
"A difficult question," Ren pondered. "The conflict between moral relativism and moral universalism."
"Relativism says everything depends on culture?"
"Extreme relativism claims so. But there are problems."
Simon continued. "If everything is relative, the Holocaust becomes 'correct in Nazi culture.'"
Haru frowned. "That feels wrong, intuitively."
"That intuition might be the basis for universalism," Ren said.
"But how do we prove universal good and evil?"
"Kant tried to derive it from reason," Ren explained. "The categorical imperative. A moral law everyone should follow."
"If you have reason, you reach the same conclusion?" Haru asked.
"Kant thought so. But there are criticisms."
Simon offered another perspective. "Utilitarianism uses the greatest happiness for the greatest number as the standard."
"Judging by results?"
"Yes. Not the act itself, but the results determine good and evil."
Haru thought. "But whose happiness? The definition of happiness differs by culture."
"Sharp," Ren acknowledged. "That's why there's no perfect theory."
Simon proposed. "What about minimal universality? Murder, torture, slavery. These should be evil in any culture."
"Minimal?"
"Core human rights. Beyond that, we accept cultural diversity."
Haru asked. "Who decides the core?"
"International consensus," Simon answered. "Like the Declaration of Human Rights."
Ren objected. "But that's criticized as Western-centric."
"Then what should we do?" Haru looked troubled.
"Continue dialogue," Ren said. "Through intercultural dialogue, gradually find common ground."
Simon added. "Complete universality is impossible, but there are overlapping parts."
"Overlap?"
"Yes. Different cultures share common values like protecting children, not lying."
Haru wrote in her notebook. "Good and evil don't completely change, but aren't completely unchanging either."
"Flexible universality," Ren organized.
"Isn't that contradictory?"
"Reality contains contradictions. Accepting that might be maturity."
Simon looked out the window. "Morality evolves. But evolution has direction."
"Progress?" Haru asked.
"More inclusive, more humane. Not perfect, but there's direction."
Ren said quietly. "Some things about good and evil can change, others shouldn't."
"The distinction is difficult," Haru murmured.
"That's why we must keep asking."
Simon smiled. "Ethics is a discipline that never completes."
"But that's why it has meaning," Ren said.
The three nodded quietly. Good and evil are not fixed, yet not chaotic either. In between, humans continue to think.