Not offered 2007-2008
PHIL 380 Relativism (W)
`Relativism' is a term often used in philosophy for a great number of very different views. The aim of the course is to survey, analyze and discuss many varieties of relativism-semantic, epistemic, ontological and moral-from Plato's Theaetetus to contemporary social
constructivism. We will pay special attention to the structure of arguments for and against
relativism, as well as to the moral motivations and perceived consequences of its endorsement or rejection. We will thus be led to discuss some of the concepts common to epistemology, metaphysics and ethics: reason, justification, objectivity, understanding, reality and
truth. Some of the questions we will consider are: Are moral standards relative to cultural
frameworks? Are there incompatible but equally true ways of describing the world? Is rationality-the notion of a good reason to believe something-relative to cultural norms? Is
relativism a form of skepticism? Is it forced on people who endorse cultural pluralism as
their political ideal as the only tenable philosophical position?
Our readings will include the relevant works of Plato, Sextus Empiricus, Bayle, Locke,
Berkeley, Carnap, Quine, Davidson, Goodman, Elgin, Hacking, Krausz, Foot, Williams,
Harman and Thomson.
Format: seminar. Requirements: This is a writing intensive course. Each student will write
10 weekly short papers (1000 words each); give a class presentation and lead the ensuing
discussion; and write a final paper (7-10 pages). Prerequisites: Philosophy 101 and 102, and
at least one 200 level philosophy course. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected 7-10).
MLADENOVIC