Exploring Social Relativism and Truth

What is the main issue with accepting a claim solely because it furthers your interests?

It abandons critical thinking

Why is it not sufficient for something to be true just because it would be in your interest, according to the text?

Critical thinking requires objective perspective

In the context of critical thinking, what does it mean to consider all of the available evidence?

Taking an objective perspective on the available evidence

In the scenario where a friend is charged with a crime, should you trust their testimony over the apparent facts?

No, personal relationships should not interfere with objective assessment Signup and view all the answers

What is the appeal to popularity fallacy?

Insisting that a claim must be true because many people believe it Signup and view all the answers

Are the claims provided in the text examples of fallacious reasoning?

Yes, because all cultures believing in something makes it true Signup and view all the answers

What issue arises when a society becomes infallible on the belief in witches?

The truth gets bootstrapped into existence Signup and view all the answers

Why is characterizing what a society believes a difficult philosophical task?

Collective entities cannot believe according to many philosophers Signup and view all the answers

Why is social relativism considered self-defeating?

It leads to contradiction by making an objective claim for everyone Signup and view all the answers

How do both forms of relativism undermine critical thinking?

By suggesting that individuals are necessarily correct in their beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What does philosophical skepticism propose about our knowledge?

We know nothing at all Signup and view all the answers

What is the main implication of societies being infallible in their beliefs?

Societies become immune to criticism Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between Subjective Relativism and Social Relativism?

Subjective Relativism states that truth is relative to individuals, while Social Relativism states that truth is relative to societies. Signup and view all the answers

According to Social Relativism, why can a person have false beliefs?

Because truth is not dependent on individual beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

How does Social Relativism promote an admirable egalitarianism among different societies?

By acknowledging that different societies may hold diverse beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the text argue that not everything a society believes warrants equal respect?

Because some beliefs may be based on mathematical falsehoods. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Social Relativism, how should individuals treat people who espouse falsehoods?

Continue treating them with respect despite their false beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it argued in the text that societies can indeed be wrong despite the notion of Social Relativism?

Because societal beliefs can include mathematical falsehoods. Signup and view all the answers