[MD] Rorty's Relativism

[Ian Glendinning]

Matt, Ron, Steve, John, Marsha, et al ...

Thanks for that Matt. Incidentally, Ron conlcuded
"MoQ does .... provide a universal context in which truth may be
understood contextually."

I usually say universal framework ... so that is OK by me.
As a pragmatist, I might say truth-value rather than truth, but simply
to emphasise that we are talking about the significance & value
(explanation & justification) to current & future decisions and
actions, rather than any disembodied absolute truth in itself, out of
all context. I see no doubt in what is being agreed there.

That is, I'm not sure there is much rhetorical value in debating
abolutism and relativism there. Since that MoQ is neither and both. As
a framework it is "universal" - everywhere and nowhere - it is
no-where, but it provides "context" everywhere. And the framework
provides that understanding of the relationships between intellectual,
social, biological and physical patterns, hierarchical in an
evolutionary sense only. Ditto - I see little doubt here too.

I can see lots of value in debating what Rorty brings to the party ...
and all the lingusitic "traps" ... as we interminably debate the "pure
experience" - the ineffable, indefinable empirical quality, that
explains how all those patterns arise (arose historically and continue
to do so as "now" moves forward) from experience. Since by definition
this quality of pure experience cannot be defined - understanding all
the different possible views tied up in the different uses of language
here is interesting - and useful because it adds to the collage of
thoughts peppered around the - indefinable - root concept of quality.

At the risk of sounding (even more) condescending ... but I still want
to say ...
I sincerely hope DMB feels the love in John's "metaphysics is not for
sissies" taunt.
I am actually pleased Dave has chosen to take a break - the wisdom to
stop running up that hill to the high-country - take a break to focus
on other immediate priorities and then to regroup / re-assess /
reflect. I'm really interested to hear what he has to say, when he
returns, as he will (as you did Matt).

Regards
Ian