Relativism

by Maria Baghramian, Annalisa Coliva

Relativism, an ancient philosophical doctrine, is once again a topic of heated debate. In this book, Maria Baghramian and Annalisa Coliva present the recent arguments for and against various forms of relativism.



The first two chapters introduce the conceptual and historical contours of relativism. These are followed by critical investigations of relativism about truth, conceptual relativism, epistemic relativism, and moral relativism. The concluding chapter asks whether it is possible to make sense of relativism as a philosophical thesis.



The book introduces readers to the main types of relativism and the arguments in their favor. It also goes beyond the expository material to engage in more detailed critical responses to the key positions and authors under discussion.



Including chapter summaries, suggestions for further reading, and a glossary, Relativism is essential reading for students of philosophy as well as those in related disciplines where relativism is studied, such as anthropology, sociology, and politics.

Genres: Philosophy

332 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Otto Rasanen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Admirably broad in its ambitions of scope, but frustratingly superficial. Just about every presented argument and objection is first-pass stuff of the prima-facie-point-scoring-I-won't-look-beyond variety.

I guess that's ok for an intro book, but somehow I was hoping for more. More fool me,

[Ed Fernyhough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding scholarship which assesses the logical form and causes of arguments from relativism in its various guises, a philosophical trope which Baghramian implies has hindered normative assessment and evaluation of certain social and cultural practices and beliefs.

A must-read for anyone with interests in cultural history, anthropology, cultural philosophy and epistemology, sociology, and politics.