The philosophical studies of Yamaguchi University

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The philosophical studies of Yamaguchi University Volume 6
published_at 1997

A further step from Meilandian relativism

メイランド的相対主義からの更なる一歩
Irifuji Motoyoshi
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C070006000004.pdf
Descriptions
In this paper I wish to offer a new perspective on relativism throughand beyond examining Meilandian Relativism. Although my argumenttends towards defending relativism against certain criticisms, therelativism that can survive the attack of non-relativism turns out to beradically different from what is generally implied by the term ‘relativism.' This radically different relativism is not one which insists on “therelativity of truth for schemes, or systems,” but rather one which expresses “the finitude of ‘us' (=oneness without any boundary)”, that is, “the relativity embedded in the asymmetric triad (relativism-nonrelativism-Meiland's unconscious discourse itself).” My argument proceeds as follows. (1) 1 begin by specifying anallegedly decisive criticism for the self-refutation of relativism. (II)Then, after giving due attention to Meiland's “On the Paradox of Cognitive Relativism” as a suggested objection to that criticism. (III) I analyze some contentious points of his argument, and highlight the insufficiencies of his description. (IV) Finally, in an attempt to develophis investigation beyond what he intended, 1 present purified relativismas “ the realization of ‘our' finitude”.