
Published online:
03 October 2011
Published in print:
27 January 2005
Online ISBN:
9780191699986
Print ISBN:
9780199278466
Contents
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Relativism Relativism
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Values Existing Values Existing
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Nature Nature
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Political Values Political Values
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Value Pluralism Value Pluralism
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Chapter
Relativism, History, and the Existence of Values
Get access
Pages
106–118
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Published:January 2005
Cite
WILLIAMS, BERNARD, 'Relativism, History, and the Existence of Values', in R. Jay Wallace (ed.), The Practice of Value, The Berkeley Tanner Lectures (Oxford , 2005; online edn, Oxford Academic, 3 Oct. 2011), https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199278466.003.0006, accessed 18 May 2025.
Abstract
This chapter argues that the doctrine of relativism is almost useless and points out exceptions. This chapter presents in a logical manner the existence of value. Changes in nature and of developing tastes are examined along with political values and Robert Pippin’s views on the connection of historical enquiry to values. It cites Christine Korsgaard’s points of views and considers the failure of teleological tales. Explained further in this commentary is that value pluralism is not a political or ethical ideal but rather a thesis about values.
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