May 1, 2024
4 minute read
Relativism is the belief that truth and morality are not absolute but are relative to the individual or the group that holds them. According to relativism, there is no such thing as objective truth or morality and what is considered right or wrong, true or false, varies from person to person or from culture to culture.
What Relativism is Not
Relativism should not be confused with tolerance or open-mindedness. Tolerance is the acceptance of different beliefs or behaviors, even if one does not agree with them. Open-mindedness is the willingness to consider new ideas or perspectives, even if they are different from one's own. Relativism, on the other hand, goes further than tolerance and open-mindedness by denying that there is any such thing as objective truth or morality.
History of Relativism
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Find a path to becoming a Relativism. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/n8kybd/relativis
Reading list
We've selected four books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Relativism.
Classic work on cultural relativism. It argues that cultural relativism valid and important perspective, but that it should not be used to justify moral relativism.
Clear and concise guide to relativism. It covers the main arguments for and against relativism, and it provides a helpful overview of the debate.
Collection of essays on relativism in the humanities. It covers a wide range of topics, from art to literature to history.
Collection of essays on relativism in the social sciences. It covers a wide range of topics, from anthropology to sociology to political science.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/n8kybd/relativis
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