Relativism and Reality
A Contemporary Introduction
Published on 12. October 2012
208 pages
978-1-134-61989-4 (ISBN)
Description
Our thoughts about the world are clearly influenced by such things as point of view, temperament, past experience and culture. However, some thinkers go much further and argue that everything that exists depends on us, arguing that 'even reality is relative'. Can we accept such a claim in the face of events such as floods and other natural disasters or events seemingly beyond our control? 'Realists' argue that reality is independent of out thinking. 'Relativists' disagree, arguing that what there is depends on our point of view. Which is right?
Robert Kirk provides a crystal clear account of this debate from the Greek philosophers to Wittgenstein and Rorty. Along the way, he unpacks some of the more complicated issues surrounding ideas of objectivity, subjectivity, pragmatism and realism essential for those beginning any study of philosphy.
Robert Kirk provides a crystal clear account of this debate from the Greek philosophers to Wittgenstein and Rorty. Along the way, he unpacks some of the more complicated issues surrounding ideas of objectivity, subjectivity, pragmatism and realism essential for those beginning any study of philosphy.
Reviews / Votes
'Robert Kirk's short, readable, and engaging book provides an excellent introduction to the considerations that motivate relativism and the reasons they are not convincing' - Philosophical ReviewMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
File size
1,06 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-134-61989-4 (9781134619894)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
07/1999
1st Edition
Routledge
€205.30
Shipment within 15-20 days
Book
06/1999
1st Edition
Routledge
€63.00
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Robert Kirk is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Nottingham.
Content
Chapter 1 Introduction; Chapter 2 Truth; Chapter 3 Relative to Us?; Chapter 4 Words and World: Wittgenstein; Chapter 5 Words and World: Quine; Chapter 6 Language-Games V. Realism; Chapter 7 Foundations for Knowledge?; Chapter 8 Dummett's Anti-Realism; Chapter 9 Rorty's 'Postmodern' Pragmatism; Chapter 10 Science and the World of Everyday Life; Chapter 11 A Strong Realism;
