Talk (Work in Progress): Luis Bartolo (MCMP)

Title:

What is logical relativism?

Abstract:

Relativism is the view that judgments, propositions, and standards cannot be evaluated absolutely but contextually. This concept applies to various fields, such as aesthetics and science, where relativists assess beauty or scientific theories based on cultural or disciplinary norms. Some philosophers link relativism to a 'doctrine of equal validity', according to which there are many different, incompatible, yet equally valid ways of understanding the world. However, logical relativism is more complex, and finds at least three versions in the literature.

First, ethnological relativism (about logic) posits that different cultures may have distinct logics, but does not necessarily imply equal validity among them. Second, systematic or contextual relativism ties logical relativism to pluralism and contextualism, asserting that the validity of arguments depends on their context or purpose. This view does not inherently lead to a doctrine of equal validity, as it allows for systematic consistency across different contexts. Lastly, theoretical relativism, which posits that multiple logical theories can be valid, is more closely aligned with a doctrine of equal validity. This talk focuses on theoretical relativism, arguing that it aligns best with the broader philosophical understanding of relativism.