Rationality and Relativism

In Search of a Philosophy and History of Anthropology

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book Rationality and Relativism by I.C. Jarvie, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: I.C. Jarvie ISBN: 9781317401179
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 3, 2015
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: I.C. Jarvie
ISBN: 9781317401179
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 3, 2015
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Anthropology revolves round answers to problems about the nature, development and unity of mankind; problems that are both philosophical and scientific. In this book, first published in 1984, Professor Jarvie applies Popper’s philosophy of science to understanding the history and theory of anthropology. Jarvie describes how the ancient view that the aim of science and philosophy was to get at the truth is challenged in anthropology by the doctrine of cultural relativism; that is, that truth varies with the cultural framework. He shows how philosophers as various as Peter Winch, W.V.O. Quine, W.T. Jones, Nelson Goodman and Richard Rorty were influenced by this doctrine. Yet these philosophers also accept the value of rational argument. Jarvie believes that there is a contradiction between relativism and any notion of human rationality that centres around argument. Forced by the contradiction to choose between rationality and relativism, he argues strongly that logical, scientific and moral considerations favour rationality and urge repudiation of relativism. The central argument of the book is that relativism is intellectually disastrous and has fostered intellectual attitudes from which anthropology still suffers.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Anthropology revolves round answers to problems about the nature, development and unity of mankind; problems that are both philosophical and scientific. In this book, first published in 1984, Professor Jarvie applies Popper’s philosophy of science to understanding the history and theory of anthropology. Jarvie describes how the ancient view that the aim of science and philosophy was to get at the truth is challenged in anthropology by the doctrine of cultural relativism; that is, that truth varies with the cultural framework. He shows how philosophers as various as Peter Winch, W.V.O. Quine, W.T. Jones, Nelson Goodman and Richard Rorty were influenced by this doctrine. Yet these philosophers also accept the value of rational argument. Jarvie believes that there is a contradiction between relativism and any notion of human rationality that centres around argument. Forced by the contradiction to choose between rationality and relativism, he argues strongly that logical, scientific and moral considerations favour rationality and urge repudiation of relativism. The central argument of the book is that relativism is intellectually disastrous and has fostered intellectual attitudes from which anthropology still suffers.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book THE ADOBE PHOTOSHOP LAYERS BOOK by I.C. Jarvie
Cover of the book Living with Drugs by I.C. Jarvie
Cover of the book Teaching with Integrity by I.C. Jarvie
Cover of the book Production Studies, The Sequel! by I.C. Jarvie
Cover of the book Human Rights by I.C. Jarvie
Cover of the book Corporate Governance and Sustainability by I.C. Jarvie
Cover of the book Energy 2000 by I.C. Jarvie
Cover of the book The Principal as Instructional Leader by I.C. Jarvie
Cover of the book Society and Culture in Late Antique Gaul by I.C. Jarvie
Cover of the book Anthropology and Ethics by I.C. Jarvie
Cover of the book On Liberty by I.C. Jarvie
Cover of the book Counter-Narratives and Organization by I.C. Jarvie
Cover of the book Death and Digital Media by I.C. Jarvie
Cover of the book Authority and Control in Modern Industry by I.C. Jarvie
Cover of the book Developing Sport Expertise by I.C. Jarvie
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy