Rationality and Relativism - In Search of a Philosophy and History of Anthropology (Hardcover)

Anthropology revolves round answers to problems about the nature, development and unity of mankind; problems that are both philosophical and scientific. In this book, first published in 1984, Professor Jarvie applies Popper's philosophy of science to understanding the history and theory of anthropology. Jarvie describes how the ancient view that the aim of science and philosophy was to get at the truth is challenged in anthropology by the doctrine of cultural relativism; that is, that truth varies with the cultural framework. He shows how philosophers as various as Peter Winch, W.V.O. Quine, W.T. Jones, Nelson Goodman and Richard Rorty were influenced by this doctrine. Yet these philosophers also accept the value of rational argument. Jarvie believes that there is a contradiction between relativism and any notion of human rationality that centres around argument. Forced by the contradiction to choose between rationality and relativism, he argues strongly that logical, scientific and moral considerations favour rationality and urge repudiation of relativism. The central argument of the book is that relativism is intellectually disastrous and has fostered intellectual attitudes from which anthropology still suffers.

General

Imprint:	Routledge
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Series:	Routledge Library Editions: Social and Cultural Anthropology
Release date:	July 2015
First published:	1984
Authors:	I.C. Jarvie
Dimensions:	234 x 156 x 15mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Hardcover
Pages:	174
ISBN-13:	978-1-138-92834-3
Categories:	Books > Social sciences > Sociology, social studies > Social theory Books > Social sciences > Sociology, social studies > Anthropology > Social & cultural anthropology > General Promotions
LSN:	1-138-92834-8
Barcode:	9781138928343

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