Relativism: A Guide for the Perplexed

This is a student's guide to the historical context and key themes in relativism across the discipline of philosophy.Relativism is a philosophical topic that has many dimensions and can mean many things. It is the view that one thing owes existence, truth, goodness or beauty to something else and is central to an understanding of any of the four traditional divisions of philosophy: ontology, epistemology, ethics and aesthetics."Relativism: A Guide for the Perplexed" offers a concise, yet fully comprehensive introduction to relativism and how it applies to the different parts of the basic, foundational areas of philosophy and, indeed, to every area of human enquiry. Timothy Mosteller begins with a discussion of relativism in popular culture. He then goes on to provide a concise overview of the topic across the discipline of philosophy, examining it in detail in its primary forms: ontological relativism, epistemological relativism, moral relativism and aesthetic relativism. The book concludes with a summary of the role of relativism in three other key academic disciplines: science, politics, and religion.Geared towards the specific requirements of students who need to reach a sound understanding of relativism, the book serves as an ideal companion to study of this most influential and challenging of philosophical concepts."Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed" are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging - or indeed downright bewildering. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to grasp, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material.