RELATIVISM Meaning and
Definition
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Relativism is an epistemological and moral philosophical viewpoint that posits that truth, morality, and knowledge are subjective and dependent on individual or cultural perspectives. It asserts that there are no absolute standards of truth or rightness that can be universally applied.
In the realm of epistemology, relativism rejects the notion of objective and absolute truth. Instead, it contends that what is considered true or false, accurate or inaccurate, is shaped by an individual's background, cultural upbringing, personal experiences, and beliefs. Relativism argues that these subjective factors make it impossible to arrive at a single, universally valid truth.
Similarly, in the realm of ethics and morality, relativism contends that what is considered right or wrong differs based on cultural, social, and personal frameworks. According to this viewpoint, there are no universally applicable moral principles or ethical guidelines. Moral judgments are viewed as subjective, varying across different societies, cultures, and individuals.
Critics of relativism argue that it can lead to moral and intellectual permissiveness, as it delegitimizes the concept of objective truth and universal moral standards. They propose that relativism can undermine the pursuit of knowledge and moral advancement by eroding the idea of universal values and virtues to aspire to.
Overall, relativism challenges the notion of fixed, objective truths and moral principles, emphasizing the role of subjectivity and context in shaping knowledge and ethical beliefs.
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Etymology of RELATIVISM
The word "relativism" is derived from the Latin term "relativus", which means "related to something else" or "having reference to something else". It is formed from the prefix "re-" meaning "again" or "back" and the term "latus" meaning "carried" or "borne". Therefore, "relativus" describes something that is carried or referred to in relation to something else. Through the evolution of language, the Latin term eventually gave rise to the English term "relativism", which refers to the philosophical concept that knowledge, truth, and ethics are all relative to different individuals, cultures, and perspectives.
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