FIRST YEAR SEMINAR IN PHILOSOPHY: RELATIVISM
PHIL 196, Sec. 004: TTh 4pm-5:30pm in G160 Angell Hall
The University of Michigan
Fall 2004
Instructor: James Woodbridge
email address: jwood@umich.edu
Course Webpage: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jwood/umich/Phil196.htm
Office Hours: T 2pm-3pm, W 12:30pm-2pm, and by appointment
Office: 2203 Angell Hall
Office Phone: 764-6882
Dept. Phone: 764-6285
RESPONSE ESSAY 6
In "Fear of Relativism," Thomas Scanlon discusses what he takes to be the possible reasons for fearing or resisting moral relativism (MR, pp. 147-152).
Write a 2-page paper reacting to this material.
Aim to do the following sorts of things:
- In your own words, explain as clearly as you can the reasons Scanlon considers.
- Explain the reasoning involved--How are the points Scanlon offers supposed to make moral relativism seem like a threat?
- Evaluate the reasoning--Do you think these considerations do show moral relativism to be something we should fear and resist? Explain
why or why not. Is there any reply a moral relativist could make to render relativism harmless?
- Identify further questions that can be raised about moral relativism in light of your examination of the reasons offered for fearing this position.
Keep your paper within the 2-page limit!
Your paper is due in my mailbox Monday, November 22nd by 3pm.