2017-2018 Academic Catalog

Nov 25, 2024

2017-2018 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

PHIL 050 - Relativism & Absolutism Across the Disciplines

We explore rival claims of relativists and absolutists in ethics, religion, math and the sciences, and consider some varieties of pluralism as option to these claims. Ours is a case-study approach. We study and evaluate the ‘Asian values argument’ against the universality of human rights, a feminist criticism of empirical science, and consider the exclusivism of contemporary religious fundamentalism. We begin with experiments in color perception and some simplified examples of alternate mathematics, and then study claims of cognitive differences across cultures. These case studies prepare us for an engagement with texts from Wittgenstein, Quine, Davidson, Nietzsche, Hegel, Habermas and Tillich that help us to think about a family of issues concerning meaning, interpretation, and truth that span disciplinary divides. Fulfills the verbal expression requirement.

Prerequisites: VE placement required

Program of Liberal Studies (PLS) Designation: VE

Anticipated Terms Offered: Offered periodically

Placement Guidelines
VE Eligible