Does Philosophy for Children Lead to Relativism?

Document Type : Scientific- research

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Abstract

The present study primarily exemplifies the approaches of relativism, skepticism, and dogmatism by the “elephant in darkness” allegory and then proceeds to introduce another approach called minimal realism. Although, Nietzsche denies truth in his early works, he agrees upon minimal realism in his last six books. Thus, this study attempts to explain his attitude in the light of the history of true world and perspectivism. Eventually, perspectivism not only is not equal to relativism, but is one of the major components of minimal realism. Despite the fact that minimal realism presumes different viewpoints in acknowledging the truth and hence, the necessity of believing in community of inquiry for understanding the truth, it is not equal to denial of truth and relativism. Finally, applying the proposed ideas to the philosophy for children, the study concludes that community of inquiry doesn`t lead to relativism and relativism itself can hinder the formation of community of inquiry.

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Thinking and Children
Volume 1, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
March 2011
Pages 101-119

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