Are there absolute truths that can be gradually approached over
time through rational processes? Or are all modes and systems of
thought equally valid if viewed from within their own internally
consistent frames of reference? Are there universal forms of
reasoning and understanding that enable us to distinguish between
rational beliefs and those that are demonstrably false, or is
everything relative?These central questions are addressed and
debated by the distinguished contributors to this lively book. Some
of them - Hollis, Lukes, Robin Horton, and Ernest Gellner - discuss
new directions in their thinking since their earlier articles
appeared in 1970 in the seminal volume Rationality (edited by Bryan
Wilson). They are now joined in the debate by Ian Hacking, W.
Newton-Smith, Charles Taylor, Jon Elster, Dan Sperber, and, in the
jointly authored lead article, by Barry Barnes and David
Bloor.Emerging from the debate are a variety of supportable
interpretations and conclusions rather than a single, distinct
"truth." The contributors represent the complete spectrum of
positions between a relativism that challenges the very concept of
a single world and the idea that there are ascertainable, objective
universals.
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