1. Melchert on relativism - 1 Relativism zConnections yGertrude Himmelfarb argues that Mill, by making truth dependent on falsity (false ideas are useful for keeping true ones alive and for finding good reasons for the true ones), tends to make truth and falsity equals. xShe argues that this position of Mill lends credence to the current relativist temper.

2. Melchert on relativism - 2 Relativism yAnother argument for a connection between Mill’s ideas and the current relativism is connected to Mill’s individualism. xExtreme individualism fosters the view that each person’s beliefs and values are valid for him or her; there are no objective beliefs and values.

3. Melchert on relativism - 3 Relativism yWhat is relativism? xThe main ideas 1. There is no over-arching system to which one can appeal for determining what is good or bad, true or false. There are no external standards for determining goodness & truth.

4. Melchert on relativism - 4 Relativism yWhat is relativism? xThe main ideas 2. All truth and value claims are relative to either personal choice or culture. All standards for assessing truth and goodness are internal to a system or framework.

5. Melchert on relativism - 5 Relativism yDifferent types of relativism xBased on level or size 1. Individual 2. Cultural xBased on area of human ideas & activity 1. Cognitive 2. Moral 3. Aesthetic

6. Melchert on relativism - 6 Relativism zMelchert ~ Who’s To Say? yArguments for cultural relativism -- the position that “custom is king.” x1. Diversity There does not appear to be a set of universal values & beliefs Therefore, there are no objective value & beliefs.

7. Melchert on relativism - 7 Relativism Critique –Lack of universality does not entail lack of objectivity. – E.g., In 17th century, the majority of people, including scientists, accepted the Ptolemaic theory as true.

8. Melchert on relativism - 8 Relativism x2. The tolerance argument for cultural relativism Relativism enhances tolerance & objectivism leads to intolerance. Objections –(1) Relativism may enhance intolerance. – If one set of values & beliefs is equal in truth value and moral value to any other set, why not impose mine on other people? (Melchert 80)

9. Melchert on relativism - 9 Relativism –(2) 2nd objection - the self- reflexive move. If all values are relative, why place tolerance above other values? yArguments against relativism in general (vs only cultural relativism) x1. Reductio ad absurdum The dentist example (Melchert 12) The Khmer Rouge, Nazis

10. Melchert on relativism - 10 Relativism x2. The self-reflexive move again If all is relative, then the claim that relativism is true is itself relative (Melchert 18).