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
Relativism has been around for centuries, in different forms, but it was not until the 19th century that it became a major philosophical movement. One of the most influential proponents of relativism was the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. Nietzsche argued that there is no such thing as objective truth and that morality is nothing more than a product of human imagination.
Types of Relativism
There are two main types of relativism:
-
Cultural Relativism: Cultural relativism is the belief that truth and morality are relative to the culture in which they occur. This means that what is considered right or wrong, true or false, varies from culture to culture.
-
Individual Relativism: Individual relativism is the belief that truth and morality are relative to the individual. This means that what is considered right or wrong, true or false, varies from person to person.
Arguments for and Against Relativism
n8kybd|
Find a path to becoming a Relativism. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/n8kybd/relativis
Reading list
We've selected 11 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.
Provides a comprehensive overview of relativism, covering both cultural and individual relativism. It is written in a clear and concise style, making it accessible to students of all levels.
Classic work on relativism. It argues that relativism flawed philosophy that cannot account for the objective truth of moral values.
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.
Collection of essays on truth and relativism. It explores the relationship between truth and objectivity, and it argues that relativism is not a viable philosophy.
Critique of relativism. It argues that relativism dangerous philosophy that can lead to moral nihilism.
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.
French-language overview of relativism. It covers the history of relativism, the different types of relativism, and the arguments for and against relativism.
German-language overview of relativism in philosophy. It covers the history of relativism, the different types of relativism, and the arguments for and against relativism.
Portuguese-language overview of relativism. It covers the history of relativism, the different types of relativism, and the arguments for and against relativism.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/n8kybd/relativis
Save
