[MD] Relativism, a definition

[MarshaV]

On Dec 30, 2011, at 11:31 PM, 118 <ununoctiums at gmail.com> wrote:

> Marsha, 
> Doesn't it seem queer to you that in the definition for relativism they use the word relative?  Maybe it is just me, but your definition doesn't define.  What varies with the individual and the environment?  Perhaps you want to keep me guessing.  If that is the case, well, you go girl!  Bet you were good with the hula hoop too, just your style.  I mean that as a compliment.
> 
> My definition of reality is that which is real.  You definition really isn't.  But that is just my opinion, you definition may mean mountains to you.
> 
> Sent laboriously from an iPhone,
> Mark
> 
> 

Hello Mark,  

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relativism

noun Philosophy .
any theory holding that criteria of judgment are relative, varying with individuals and their environments.  

  (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/relativism). 
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Marsha:
No, it does not seem queer, as the definition of 'relativism' is defining the concept related to philosophical theories, or "ism".  That is why I included the dictionary definition of 'relative' with its various denotations. I particularly like No.10 that states that ""Better" is a relative term.". 

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relative 

noun
1. a person who is connected with another or others by blood or marriage.
2. something having, or standing in, some relation to something else.
3. something dependent upon external conditions for its specific nature, size, etc. ( opposed to absolute).
4. Grammar . a relative pronoun, adjective, or adverb.

adjective 
 5. considered in relation to something else; comparative: the relative merits of democracy and monarchy.
 6. existing or having its specific nature only by relation to something else; not absolute or independent: Happiness is relative.
 7. having relation or connection.
 8. having reference or regard; relevant; pertinent (usually followed by to ): to determine the facts relative to an accident.
 9. correspondent; proportionate: Value is relative to demand.
10. (of a term, name, etc.) depending for significance upon something else: “Better” is a relative term.

  (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/relative)   
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Marsha:
When Anthony writes:  “Intellectual values include truth, justice, freedom, democracy and, trial by jury. It’s worth noting that the MOQ follows a pragmatic notion of truth so truth is seen as relative in his system while Quality is seen as absolute.  In consequence, the truth is defined as the highest quality intellectual explanation at a given time.", I understand it to mean that the MoQ is epistemologically relative, yet judgements (betterness), within the MoQ, are made based on a static patterns placement within the evolutionary, hierarchical level-structure: inorganic, biological, social or intellectual.  

Btw, what is your new found infatuation with the the words 'reality' and 'real'?   My definition of reality is that which is experienced(unpatterned/patterned), or Quality(Dynamic/static).

Who's your daddy now?


Marsha