Videnskabshistorisk Selskab


David BloorInvitation to a talk by:


Professor David Bloor,

Science Studies, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh:




Philipp Frank
Philipp Frank, 1884–1966

Philipp Frank and the Definition of Relativism

 



Relativism is a topic that causes much dispute. I shall offer a defence of relativism using the definition adopted by the physicist Philipp Frank, namely, that relativism is best defined as the rejection of absolutism. The rejection of absolutism is a necessary and a sufficient condition for relativism. Many philosophers are deeply hostile to relativism but claim that they are free to adopt a position that is neither relativist nor absolutist. I shall examine some of the results of this claim, and identify the definitions of relativism that lie behind it. I shall argue that the alleged middle ground, or third way, between relativism and absolutism is untenable and confused.

tirsdag den 11. oktober 2011, kl. 17


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