Afstæðiskenning

Afstæðiskenning, often translated as "relativism," is a philosophical concept that posits certain kinds of statements or propositions are not true or false in an absolute sense, but rather depend on a particular framework or perspective. This framework could be cultural, historical, individual, or linguistic. In ethics, for instance, ethical relativism suggests that moral judgments are true or false only relative to a particular society or individual. There is no universal moral standard applicable to all people at all times. Similarly, epistemological relativism argues that knowledge is not absolute but is conditioned by one's beliefs, experiences, and conceptual schemes. What is considered true or knowledge in one context may not be in another. This contrasts with absolutism, which holds that there are objective, universal truths that hold regardless of perspective. Relativism often arises from observations of the diversity of human beliefs and practices across different cultures and historical periods. Critics of relativism often argue that it can lead to a collapse of objective standards, making it difficult to condemn certain actions or to establish shared understanding. The degree and nature of relativism, and its implications, are subjects of ongoing philosophical debate.