The Challenge of Relativism

Patrick J.J. Phillips

ISBN 10: 1441178856 / ISBN 13: 9781441178855

Published by Continuum Publishing Corporation, US, 2011

About this Item

Relativism, the view that knowledge is relative to time, culture, group and/or individual, remains a pervasive and influential intellectual position in philosophy and throughout the humanities. Since ancient times, relativists have been viewed as villains of truth and knowledge. They have undermined optimistic explanations of how we know things and, instead, have grounded knowledge in the ever-changing world of human opinion. But is the relativists' notorious reputation justified? In this important new book Patrick Phillips investigates several varieties of relativism proposed over the centuries and identifies relativism as a central strand of thought that permeates much of post-colonial and postmodern thinking. He investigates the reasons that contribute to the evergreen status of relativism and asks: why does relativism remain a constant occurrence in the writings of the humanities and what accounts for its popular appeal?

Seller Inventory # LU-9781441178855

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Challenge of Relativism
• Publisher: Continuum Publishing Corporation, US
• Publication Date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1441178856
• ISBN 13: 9781441178855
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Dimensions: 15.6W x 0.97H x 23.39D centimeters 15.6 centimeters width by 0.97 centimeters height by 23.39 centimeters depth
• Weight: 264 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Relativism, the view that knowledge is relative to time, culture, group and/or individual, remains a pervasive and influential intellectual position in philosophy and throughout the humanities. Since ancient times, relativists have been viewed as villains of truth and knowledge. They have undermined optimistic explanations of how we know things and, instead, have grounded knowledge in the ever-changing world of human opinion. But is the relativists' notorious reputation justified? In this important new book Patrick Phillips investigates several varieties of relativism proposed over the centuries and identifies relativism as a central strand of thought that permeates much of post-colonial and postmodern thinking. He investigates the reasons that contribute to the 'evergreen'; status of relativism and asks: why does relativism remain a constant occurrence in the writings of the humanities and what accounts for its popular appeal?

About the Author

Patrick Phillips teaches Philosophy at York University, Canada. In 2004 he won the York International Education Award.