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A Complete Discussion of Relativism


Discuss the views of Relativism and why they are important. Which one is most in line with your personal views and why? Include a brief summary of Relativism.

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OTA 105878/Xenia Jones

Discussing Relativism

Relativism is not just one theory located or used in one area of study. Relativism is a viewpoint with many applications and interpretations in Philosophy, Sociology, the Social Sciences, Literature & the Arts and even the Natural Sciences (consider the ideas of Albert Einstein & his groundbreaking theory of Relativity). Relativism, at its core basically advocates that elements & aspects of culture, experience, thought and cognition and the manner by which human beings react with, interpret or view reality is relative, not absolute. Therefore it is the opposite of absolutism which holds that there can only be one true explanation. Relativism, unlike absolutism does not seek universal laws rather accepts that what is true in some cases is verrisimilitudic by nature - not always true and not always false - its relative according to application. Consider this sentence - 'Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder.' This is a verisimilitude estimation of what is beautiful because we all judge what is beautiful according to our own interpretations and definitions. Whereas back in the days of the early Enlightenment, philosophers and burgeoning scientists sought to establish 'universal laws' - scientific 'truths' that apply across the board (i.e. Newton's law of Gravity) - over time we experience that a theory can only hold out for so long and then it reaches critical mass and scientists scramble to find new theories to explain a phenomenon. Linear mathematics was limited hence Einstein's theories ushered new explanations for the speed of light and the movement of light across space leading us to quantum physics. Gravity by Newton was only true ...

Solution Summary

The solution discusses the socio-philosophical concept of relativism. What is relativism? What are the varied views/theories associated with it? WHo are the individuals and thinkers who helped to develop this perspective? How is it utilised in the sciences and socio-philosophical debates? All these and more are discussed in the solution including an explanation of the 4 main perspectives in relation to the utilisation of relativism as a scholarly concept. The solution is in the form of an APA-format essay; References both web and print are provided.