FRESHMAN SEMINAR IN PHILOSOPHY: RELATIVISM
PHIL 150W, Sec. 01: TTh 9:30am-10:50am in Blair 142
PHIL 150W, Sec. 02: TTh 11am-12:20pm in Blair 142
The College of William and Mary
Spring 2003
Instructor: James Woodbridge
email address: jawoo2@wm.edu
Course Webpage: http://fsweb.wm.edu/jawoo2/wm/150w.htm
Office Hours: T 3:30pm-5pm, W 10:30am-12pm, and by appointment
Office: 126 Blair Hall
Office Phone: 221-2713
Dept. Phone: 221-2735
RESPONSE ESSAY 4
In Relativism and Reality, Chapter 6, Sections 3 and 4 (pp. 97-103), Kirk presents an argument for an anti-realist view according to which reality is relative to the language-game or conceptual scheme employed by an individual or group.
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 view under consideration in these particular Sections of Chapter 6. Relate it to other views we have considered.
- Explain the reasoning involved on this point--What is supposed to be the argument for this position? What is Kirk's argument against it?
- Evaluate the arguments--Do you think the reasoning for the anti-realist view works? Explain why or why not. Do you think Kirk's counter-argument is effective? Explain.
- Identify further questions that can be raised about the view under consideration, in light of your assessment of what is said in these Sections.
Be sure to look at my Paper Requirements and Policies.
Keep your paper within the 2-page limit!
Your paper is due at the beginning of class, Tuesday, February 25th.