How Long to Read Relativism and the Foundations of Philosophy

How Long Does it Take to Read Relativism and the Foundations of Philosophy?

It takes the average reader 3 hours and 53 minutes to read Relativism and the Foundations of Philosophy by Steven D. Hales

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

A defense of the view that philosophical propositions are true in some perspectives and false in others, arguing that the rationalist, intuition-driven method of acquiring basic beliefs favored by analytic philosophy is not epistemically superior to such alternate belief-acquiring methods as religious revelation and the ritual use of hallucinogens. The grand and sweeping claims of many relativists might seem to amount to the argument that everything is relative—except the thesis of relativism. In this book, Steven Hales defends relativism, but in a more circumscribed form that applies specifically to philosophical propositions. His claim is that philosophical propositions are relatively true—true in some perspectives and false in others. Hales defends this argument first by examining rational intuition as the method by which philosophers come to have the beliefs they do. Analytic rationalism, he claims, has a foundational reliance on rational intuition as a method of acquiring basic beliefs. He then argues that there are other methods that people use to gain beliefs about philosophical topics that are strikingly analogous to rational intuition and examines two of these: Christian revelation and the ritual use of hallucinogens. Hales argues that rational intuition is not epistemically superior to either of these alternative methods. There are only three possible outcomes: we have no philosophical knowledge (skepticism); there are no philosophical propositions (naturalism); or there are knowable philosophical propositions, but our knowledge of them is relative to doxastic perspective. Hales defends relativism against the charge that it is self-refuting and answers a variety of objections to this account of relativism. Finally, he examines the most sweeping objection to relativism: that philosophical propositions are not merely relatively true, because there are no philosophical propositions—all propositions are ultimately empirical, as the naturalists contend. Hales's somewhat disturbing conclusion—that intuition-driven philosophy does produce knowledge, but not absolute knowledge—is sure to inspire debate among philosophers.

How long is Relativism and the Foundations of Philosophy?

Relativism and the Foundations of Philosophy by Steven D. Hales is 227 pages long, and a total of 58,339 words.

This makes it 77% the length of the average book. It also has 71% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Relativism and the Foundations of Philosophy Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 5 hours and 18 minutes to read Relativism and the Foundations of Philosophy aloud.

What Reading Level is Relativism and the Foundations of Philosophy?

Relativism and the Foundations of Philosophy is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Relativism and the Foundations of Philosophy?

Relativism and the Foundations of Philosophy by Steven D. Hales is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

To buy Relativism and the Foundations of Philosophy by Steven D. Hales on Amazon click the button below.