Relativism and the Foundations of Philosophy (Bradford Books) [Hardcover]

Steven D. Hales (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0262083531 | ISBN-13: 978-0262083539

The grand and sweeping claims of many relativists might seem to amount to the argument that everything is relative—except the thesis of relativism. In this book, Steven Hales defends relativism, but in a more circumscribed form that applies specifically to philosophical propositions. His claim is that philosophical propositions are relatively true—true in some perspectives and false in others. Hales defends this argument first by examining rational intuition as the method by which philosophers come to have the beliefs they do. Analytic rationalism, he claims, has a foundational reliance on rational intuition as a method of acquiring basic beliefs. He then argues that there are other methods that people use to gain beliefs about philosophical topics that are strikingly analogous to rational intuition and examines two of these: Christian revelation and the ritual use of hallucinogens. Hales argues that rational intuition is not epistemically superior to either of these alternative methods. There are only three possible outcomes: we have no philosophical knowledge (skepticism); there are no philosophical propositions (naturalism); or there are knowable philosophical propositions, but our knowledge of them is relative to doxastic perspective. Hales defends relativism against the charge that it is self-refuting and answers a variety of objections to this account of relativism. Finally, he examines the most sweeping objection to relativism: that philosophical propositions are not merely relatively true, because there are no philosophical propositions—all propositions are ultimately empirical, as the naturalists contend. Hales's somewhat disturbing conclusion—that intuition-driven philosophy does produce knowledge, but not absolute knowledge—is sure to inspire debate among philosophers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...his version of relativism is, to my mind, the most plausible one to be found in the literature today."
— Benjamin L. Curtis, Philosophical Quarterly

"I encourage those interested to read the book with the care it deserves. The arguments are invariably provocative and are presented with admirable clarity and verve."
— Andrew D. Cling, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

"With surprising and challenging results, Hales scrutinizes fundamental issues about rational intuition. His searching work concludes that, whereas the claim that 'everything is relative' is inconsistent, the alternative claim that 'everything true is relatively true' is not. Hales's original treatment is well worth pondering."
—Michael Krausz, M. C. Nahm Professor of Philosophy, Bryn Mawr College, and author of Limits of Rightness

"Relativism is a central topic in contemporary philosophy, and this timely book adds a fresh and bold dimension to it. Hales has written an original and stimulating book whose conclusions will challenge deep-seated orthodoxies and provoke strong reactions."
—Maria Baghramian, School of Philosophy, University College Dublin

About the Author

Steven D. Hales is Professor of Philosophy at Bloomsburg University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: The MIT Press (October 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262083531
• ISBN-13: 978-0262083539
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,732,366 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Steven D. Hales, Ph.D. (Brown) is a professor of philosophy at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. He works primarily in metaphysics and epistemology, and also in popular philosophy. He was recently Visiting Professorial Fellow at the Institute of Philosophy, School of Advanced Study, University of London. He is a past winner of Bloomsburg University's Outstanding Teaching Award.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Controversial, Bold, Original and Pure Genius, October 23, 2006

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This review is from: Relativism and the Foundations of Philosophy (Bradford Books) (Hardcover)

Steven Hales takes an original approach to defending relativism and subsequently blows your mind. He is able to take a relatively (da dun tshh) complicated issue and explain it to people such as yourself. You need to buy this book if you are at all interested in the following: philosophy, science, art, life, government, food, animals, sex, tv, etc.