Relativism is an ancient philosophical doctrine which has recurred time and again in the history of philosophy. It has also transcended the boundaries of that discipline, for it has shaped much of the methodology in anthropology and sociology, as well as in critical theory and literary studies. While often advocated for its supposed tolerance of differences, relativism has profound consequences for how we think of reality, for the possibility of knowledge, both in the factual and in the moral domain, and may engender the practice of double standard.
Read more
Relativism is an ancient philosophical doctrine which has recurred time and again in the history of philosophy. It has also transcended the boundaries of that discipline, for it has shaped much of the methodology in anthropology and sociology, as well as in critical theory and literary studies. While often advocated for its supposed tolerance of differences, relativism has profound consequences for how we think of reality, for the possibility of knowledge, both in the factual and in the moral domain, and may engender the practice of double standard.
Relativism is an ancient philosophical doctrine which has recurred time and again in the history of philosophy. It has also transcended the boundaries of that discipline, for it has shaped much of the methodology in anthropology and sociology, as well as in critical theory and literary studies. While often advocated for its supposed tolerance of differences, relativism has profound consequences for how we think of reality, for the possibility of knowledge, both in the factual and in the moral domain, and may engender the practice of double standard.
If a wind is hot for me and cold for you and none of us is at fault, does this mean that reality is always perspectival, or that it admits of contradictory descriptions? If a belief turns out to be justified when evaluated within a certain epistemic system (such as religion, for instance), while it turns out to be unjustified if assessed from within a different one (science, say), does relativism undermine the very possibility of knowledge? If an action can be morally permissible within an ethical system and not so within a different one, does that challenge the idea that there are moral truths and moral progress? These are some of the questions we will engage in during the course, while considering examples taken from the history of science, such as the Bellarmine-Galileo dispute, and from everyday life.
This course is aimed at anyone who is interested in learning more about philosophy, along with those who are looking for strategies to combat extremism in their communities. Using these approaches, no matter what your skill levels in topics you would like to master, you can change your thinking and change your life.
In this course, learners will:
Explore the concept of Relativism
Discuss the role of Relativism in contemporary society
Identify common responses to Relativism
Compare/Contrast various forms of Relativism
Recognize how epistemic relativism can be used to explain important events in the history of science and crucial discoveries in anthropology
Create a presentation with your personal perspective on one of the forms of relativism
What's inside
Syllabus
Module 1
Welcome to Module 1: Introduction to Relativism. In this module, we will explore how current issues in public debate (climate change denial, fake news, vaccine skepticism, religious and political extremism) trade on relativism, and how relativism may be thought of as being a source of good by promoting pluralism and tolerance. We will begin by defining Relativism, and review the various forms, including faultless disagreement, relativism of difference, and local vs. global Relativism.
Read more
Syllabus
Good to know
Save this course
Save
Reviews summary
Relativism: a neutral perspective
The course encourages students to think critically about relativism.
The course provides a comprehensive overview of the topic.
Activities
Revisit epistemology
Show steps
Brush up on the foundational concepts of epistemology to strengthen your cognitive toolkit and enhance your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
Epistemology
Show steps
-
Review your lecture notes or textbook chapters on epistemology.
-
Take practice quizzes or answer discussion questions related to epistemological concepts.
Compare and contrast different types of relativism
Show steps
Engage in comparative exercises to differentiate between various forms of relativism, solidifying your grasp of their nuances and implications.
Browse courses on
Relativism
Show steps
-
Create a table or mind map outlining the key characteristics of each type of relativism.
-
Develop examples that illustrate the distinctions between these forms of relativism.
-
Participate in online discussions or forums to share your insights and engage with others' perspectives.
Read 'Relativism: A Contemporary Introduction' by Michael Lynch
Show steps
Supplement your learning by delving into Michael Lynch's comprehensive examination of relativism, broadening your understanding of its historical and contemporary implications.
Show steps
-
Read and take notes on the key arguments and perspectives presented in the book.
-
Identify any areas where the book's insights align or conflict with your current understanding of relativism.
-
Participate in group discussions or online forums to share your insights and engage with others' interpretations of the book.
Show all three activities
Revisit epistemology
Show steps
Brush up on the foundational concepts of epistemology to strengthen your cognitive toolkit and enhance your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
Epistemology
Show steps
- Review your lecture notes or textbook chapters on epistemology.
- Take practice quizzes or answer discussion questions related to epistemological concepts.
Compare and contrast different types of relativism
Show steps
Engage in comparative exercises to differentiate between various forms of relativism, solidifying your grasp of their nuances and implications.
Browse courses on
Relativism
Show steps
- Create a table or mind map outlining the key characteristics of each type of relativism.
- Develop examples that illustrate the distinctions between these forms of relativism.
- Participate in online discussions or forums to share your insights and engage with others' perspectives.
Read 'Relativism: A Contemporary Introduction' by Michael Lynch
Show steps
Supplement your learning by delving into Michael Lynch's comprehensive examination of relativism, broadening your understanding of its historical and contemporary implications.
Show steps
- Read and take notes on the key arguments and perspectives presented in the book.
- Identify any areas where the book's insights align or conflict with your current understanding of relativism.
- Participate in group discussions or online forums to share your insights and engage with others' interpretations of the book.
Career center
Religious Studies Professor
Sociology Professor
Anthropology Professor
Philosophy Professor
Theology Professor
Cultural Anthropologist
Historian
Political Scientist
Economist
Lawyer
Journalist
Social Worker
Public Relations Specialist
Advertising Account Executive
Sales Manager
Reading list
Save
Save
Save
Save
Share
Similar courses
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
