The
Specter of Relativism: Objectivity and the Possibility of Knowledge
Philosophy 250 Contemporary Philosophy
Course Description: Can scientific experiments, judicial deliberations,
and grading in college courses be carried out in a manner that is impartial and
disinterested? Is there a universal moral standard that is valid for everyone,
or is each moral standard only relevant to a particular culture? In this course
we will study contemporary philosophical debates surrounding the issues of
objectivity and relativism, debates about the nature of scientific knowledge,
metaphysics, ethics, and cultural difference. The objective of the course is to
help the students develop an appreciation of the complexity of philosophical
issues while improving their reasoning skills.
Texts: 1. Nicolas Rescher. Objectivity: The Obligations
of Impersonal Reason. Notre Dame:
2. Paul K. Moser and Thomas L. Carson, eds. Moral
Relativism: A Reader.
3. Richard J. Bernstein. Beyond Objectivism and
Relativism: Science, Hermeneutics, and Praxis.
4. Reading Packet (available in the Humanities Division
Office, Phil-Science 101)
Grading: Attendance and
Class Participation 10%
Short
Daily Quizzes 10%
Tests and
Regular Quizzes 40%
Writing
Assignments 40%
A 93-100
A- 90-92
B+ 87-89
B 83-86
B- 80-82
C+ 77-79
C 73-76
C- 70-72
D+ 67-69
D 60-66
F 0-60
1. Tests and
Regular Quizzes: There will be two in
class tests and multiple quizzes. These will include short answer, long answer,
and essay questions. Tests and quizzes will be taken in the classroom, and in
accordance with the guidelines of the honor code. I will only allow each
student to make up one missed test or quiz. You must have a valid excuse and
make it up before the next session of class. Contact me as early as possible to make arrangements.
2. Writing
Assignments: These will include a
five-page midterm paper and a ten-page final paper (which can be an expansion
of the five-page paper), as well as shorter assignments. Students who have
difficulties with grammar or essay-writing should work with the tutors in the
3. Class
Participation and Daily Quizzes: Most of
our class time will be spent in discussion, and each student’s participation is
encouraged and expected. Informed participation requires a careful reading of
assigned texts ahead of class. In order
to encourage this, a short quiz on the reading assignment will be given at the
beginning of every class except for test days. No make-ups will be allowed.
4. Attendance: Prompt and consistent attendance is expected, and
is in your own interest because poor attendance and tardies will inevitably
affect your other grades. Also, I weigh attendance heavily when giving final
grades in borderline cases. Excessive absences will reduce your grade: To
receive an ‘A’, you must have less than 4 absences, for a ‘B’ less than 8, and
for a ‘C’ less than 12. Tardies and leaving early will be counted toward your
absences. I will accept valid reasons for missing class (e.g., a doctor’s note
for a serious illness), but will only excuse one half of the absence. If you
miss a class, I recommend that you make arrangements to copy the notes of
another student.