Viewpoint relativism : a new approach to epistemological relativism based on the concept of points of view
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
Viewpoint relativism : a new approach to epistemological relativism based on the concept of points of view
（Synthese library, v. 419）
Springer, c2020
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Näkökulmarelativismi Tiedon suhteellisuuden ongelma
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Note
Includes bibliographical references (p.197-205) and index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
This book offers new insights into truth, knowledge, and reality. It details a unique approach to epistemological relativism based on the concept of points of view. In a point of view, an aspect represents an object for a subject. By applying this concept of points of view, the author develops a consistent and adequate form of relativism, called viewpoint relativism, according to which epistemic questions like "Is X true (or justified or existing)" are viewpoint-dependent.
The monograph examines central issues related to epistemological relativism. It analyzes major arguments pro and con from different opinions. The author presents the arguments of well-known philosophers. These include such thinkers as Paul Boghossian, John Dewey, Nelson Goodman, Martin Kusch, C.I. Lewis, John MacFarlane, Hilary Putnam, W.V.O. Quine, Richard Rorty, John Searle, and Ludwig Wittgenstein. In the process, the author deconstructs the standard account of correspondence theory of truth.
Viewpoint relativism is a moderate relativism, which is not subjected to standard criticism of extreme relativism. This book argues that knowledge creation presupposes openness to different points of view and their comparison. It also explores the broader implications of viewpoint relativism into current debate about truth in society. The author defends a critical relativism, which accepts pluralism but is critical against all points of view. In the conclusion, he explores the relevance of viewpoint relativism to democracy by showing that the main threat of modern democratic society is not pluralism but absolutism and fundamentalism.
Table of Contents
Preface to the English EditionPreface to the Finnish Edition
Introduction
Chapter 1. The Historical Background of Relativism
Chapter 2. Conditions of a Philosophical DiscussionChapter 3. Points of View and RelativismChapter 4. The Relativity of TruthChapter 5. The Relativity of KnowledgeChapter 6. The Relativity of RealityChapter 7. Relativism and Realism in the Philosophy of ScienceChapter 8. Critical Relativism and DisagreementConclusions
Background and acknowledgements
References
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