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Single Idea 6583

[filed under theme 13. Knowledge Criteria / E. Relativism / 1. Relativism ]

Full Idea

We reach radical perspectivism by replacing Kant's single, necessary categorial scheme with a plurality of competing categorial schemes.

Clarification

'Perspectivism' refers to Nietzsche relativist epistemological views

Gist of Idea

Radical perspectivism replaces Kant's necessary scheme with many different schemes

Source

Robert Fogelin (Walking the Tightrope of Reason [2003], Ch.3)

Book Ref

Fogelin,Robert: 'Walking the Tightrope of Reason' [OUP 2004], p.80


A Reaction

It certainly looks as if Kant sent us down a slippery slope into the dafter aspects of twentieth century relativism. The best antidote I know of is Davidson's (e.g. Idea 6398). But then it seems unimaginative to say that only one scheme is possible.

Related Idea

Idea 6398 Different points of view make sense, but they must be plotted on a common background [Davidson]


The 22 ideas from Robert Fogelin

Humans may never be able to attain a world view which is both rich and consistent [Fogelin]
We are also irrational, with a unique ability to believe in bizarre self-created fictions [Fogelin]
The law of noncontradiction makes the distinction between asserting something and denying it [Fogelin]
The law of noncontradiction is traditionally the most basic principle of rationality [Fogelin]
Legal reasoning is analogical, not deductive [Fogelin]
Philosophy may never find foundations, and may undermine our lives in the process [Fogelin]
A game can be played, despite having inconsistent rules [Fogelin]
Deterrence, prevention, rehabilitation and retribution can come into conflict in punishments [Fogelin]
Retributivists say a crime can be 'paid for'; deterrentists still worry about potential victims [Fogelin]
Radical perspectivism replaces Kant's necessary scheme with many different schemes [Fogelin]
Cynics are committed to morality, but disappointed or disgusted by human failings [Fogelin]
Conventions can only work if they are based on something non-conventional [Fogelin]
My view is 'circumspect rationalism' - that only our intellect can comprehend the world [Fogelin]
Knowledge is legitimate only if all relevant defeaters have been eliminated [Fogelin]
For coherentists, circularity is acceptable if the circle is large, rich and coherent [Fogelin]
A rule of justification might be: don't raise the level of scrutiny without a good reason [Fogelin]
Scepticism is cartesian (sceptical scenarios), or Humean (future), or Pyrrhonian (suspend belief) [Fogelin]
Scepticism deals in remote possibilities that are ineliminable and set the standard very high [Fogelin]
Rationality is threatened by fear of inconsistency, illusions of absolutes or relativism, and doubt [Fogelin]
The word 'beautiful', when deprived of context, is nearly contentless [Fogelin]
Critics must be causally entangled with their subject matter [Fogelin]
Saying 'It's all a matter to taste' ignores the properties of the object discussed [Fogelin]