- Objectivity & Relativism

- Objectivity & Relativism

1. Relativism

   • The idea that as all perspectives involve values, are their findings just a reflection of those values, instead of being a true picture of society.
   • Different groups, cultures & individuals have different views as to what is true. Each seeing the world in their own way, through their own perspectives, concepts, values & interests.
     • All sociologists agree w/ this.
   • There is no independent way of judging whether any view is truer than any other.
   • Argues there is no objective/absolute truth, instead, many truths.
     • Specifically, what you believe is true, is true for you, what others believe is true, is true for them.

2. Postmodernism

   • Relativist view of knowledge.
   • Reject the idea that any perspective is better than the rest.
     • Believe no-one has access to real truth.
   • All knowledge is based on values & assumptions, so no perspective can be 100% true.
     • Criticism
       • This must then also apply for postmodernism.
         • Paradoxical conclusion.