RELATIVISM

Mark J. Smith

There is considerable variety in the uses of the term relativism, but all endorse the view that no single absolute principle or concept is adequate to explain and understand events and states of affairs in all times and places, and that no single criterion holds for attributing value. By challenging the idea that universal statements can be established or that universal entities exist, relativism undermines truth, objectivity and the necessity of foundations. Nevertheless, there are two quite different interpretations of what this means. One case for relativism asserts that no description can be true, no approach can be privileged and that no assessment of the value of human conduct is valid. Another case merely claims that all descriptions are equally true, all approaches have the same standing and all considerations of value are equally valid (Harré and Krausz, 1996). These two interpretations, which can be described as the strident case ...

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- Bringing together the work of over eighty leading academics and researchers worldwide to produce the definitive reference and research tool for the social sciences, The SAGE Dictionary of Social Research Methods contains more than 230 entries providing the widest coverage of the all the main terms in the research process. It encompasses philosophies of science, research paradigms and designs, specific aspects of data collection, practical issues to be addressed when carrying out research, and the role of research in terms of function and context. Each entry includes: - A concise definition of the concept - A description of distinctive features: historical and disciplinary backgrounds; key writers; applications - A critical and reflective evaluation of the concept under consideration - Cross references to associated concepts within the dictionary - A list of key readings. Written in a lively style, The SAGE Dictionary of Social Research Methods is an essential study guide for students and first-time researchers. It is a primary source of reference for advanced study, a necessary supplement to established textbooks, and a state-of-the-art reference guide to the specialized language of research across the social sciences.
Table of contents
- - Front Matter
    - Copyright
    - Editor's Introduction
Methods Map
- Research Terms
- Key People
Relativism
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