0 the belief that truth and right and wrong can only be judged in relation to other things and that nothing can be true or right in all situations
We would contend that a sweeping statement of the relationship between epistemological and moral relativism is inadequate.
To make these levels clear they take over from philosophical literature a distinction between three kinds of relativism: ontological, epistemological and moral.
While the authors do not agree on the valuation of ontological relativism, they warmly welcome epistemological as well as moral relativism.
Such an approach, however, lends as little support to a romantic critique of science in practical respect as to an epistemological relativism in theoretical respect.
The exclusive cultural approach advocated by ethical relativism closes each community in on itself.
The merits of relativism, however, must be weighed against the trap of exceptionalism.
Virtually all schools of anthropology entail an acceptance of at least a weak form of descriptive relativism.
Relativism counsels tolerance, it is believed, whereas nonrelativism engenders accusations of irrationality or willful malice and a dogmatic attachment to one's own cultural prejudices.
