Objectivism, Relativism and Skepticism - Essay Sample

Introduction

Subjective relativism is the idea that the truth depends on what someone believes. Vaughn (49) indicated that if an individual accepts subjective relativism and uses it to support a claim, then they are committing a subjective fallacy. In subjective relativism, the basis of truth is what someone believes and not the way things are (49). Also, subjective relativism holds on to the notion that truth is relative to a person, as a belief can be true for one person but not to another (49). Subjective states and processes can be considered objective truths (51). An example to show subjective relativism is that if a person believes the sky is white, then that is their truth. Using such a theory inhibits critical thinking because an individual views their belief to be true without considering the objective truth.

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Social relativism is the notion that the truth is relative to society. Social relativism posits that the truth depends on what society believes, and not an individual (51). Also, the theory supports egalitarianism; the idea that the beliefs of a particular society are equal (52). For example, if a Chinese society believes that eating goat meat is bad for your health, then that is their truth. According to the theory, societies, and not individuals are infallible (52). From examining the text, it is clear that just as subjective relativism, social relativism hinders critical thinking because of the notion that the truths held by a particular society are automatically true.

Skepticism refers to when a person thinks we know less than we think or know nothing at all. According to skeptics, if we know anything, then we must be sure about it (52). Also, philosophical skeptics believe that knowledge is not as it seems unless it is beyond a possibility of doubt (52). The theory holds that in any form of truth, doubt is possible.

Plato’s Apology

Plato’s Apology helps in knowing Socrates’ philosophical view of the importance of objective truths. In the court, Socrates was fond of questioning what others believe as true. This is evidenced by the way he told the men of Athens that they pretend to know the truth, but in the real sense, they know nothing (Plato 6). He stated that if the men investigated the accusations put against him, they would find out that he is telling his truth, instead of just slandering him for the sake of it. According to him, knowledge came from discovering general accounts. From reading his arguments, it is distinct that Socrates advises people to pursue self-knowledge, question truths, and devote themselves to the truth.

There are several objections to subjective relativism, social relativism, and skepticism. Critics of subjective relativism, for example, argue that the notion can hinder critical thinking (Vaughn 50). The critics argue that if we believe in a subjective fallacy, then people lose their chance to critical inquiry (50). A majority of philosophers believe in finding truths objectively (50). Other critics believe that subjective relativism is self-defeating because its truth hints at its falsity (51). The objection to social relativism is that it is self-defeating (52). The reason for the objection is that the claim ‘if all truths are relative to societies,’ is objectively true, then it is an example of objective truth, and means that the claim is an objective fallacy (52). The objection to skepticism is that even if doubt is possible, it is not always reasonable (53). All these objections will lead to my position on pursuing objective truths as defended by Socrates.

Objective truth plays a critical role in our lives. Vaughn (51) stated that objective truth is about the world is irrespective of how we see it or feel about it. Seemingly, critical thinking makes the relativism and skepticism theory unfounded because the theories do not stay objective when examining situations. There is no reason for individuals to forgo critical thinking because they believe in relativism. Also, it is best to avoid skepticism because many considerations can create room for doubt in knowledge. One of the strongest objections to objective truth by some philosophers is that objective truths are about relative states and processes (Vaughn 51). In response to the assertion, the notion that all truth involves relativity and skepticism can be objectively false. Critical thinking is not about creating about, but focusing on facts. Focusing on facts helps one to avoid casting doubt, and having their belief about a particular situation.

Critical Thinking and the State

Philosophy is a person’s principle that guides their behavior. Vaughn (80) indicated that a person behaves in a certain way because he has a philosophy. He also stated that the discipline of philosophy is augmented with influential arguments based on a person’s beliefs (219). For example, when a person believes that we should treat each other right to make society a better place, then that is their philosophy.

Plato’s Apology reflects a philosophical life. Socrates defended himself in court for the crimes he was accused of and his entire way of living. Even so, the Oracle in Delphi, for example, considered Socrates the wisest of all men (4). In his arguments, Socrates contrasted himself to politicians, craftsmen, sophists, and early life philosophers (Plato 5). By contrasting and distancing himself these people, Socrates defends the philosophy of life. For him, philosophy is about clarifying knowledge rather than building it. He also indicates that philosophy is a way of life, and people need to examine life before making decisions. This is evidenced by his phrase that “the unexamined life is not worth living for a human being” (20). Socrates implied that the philosophical life is about living a truthful and just life. Socrates tries to teach people how to live life and examine life through self-examination. The citizens of Athens, however, did not heed his advice and decided to execute Socrates, instead of applying the challenge of self-examination that Socrates gave them.

Plato’s Republic

Plato’s Republic depicts the concept of the ‘noble lie’ through the Cadmeian myth of autochthony and the Hesiodic myth of ages. The noble falsehood is supposed to engender the citizens of Callipolis to devote themselves to their city and do what is in the city’s best interests. Socrates persuades Glaucon that they devise a noble falsehood to the rulers and citizens (Plato 1050). The noble falsehood has two parts; that they were born on earth, but not all the earth because they are connected to one place (1051). The second lie is that the citizens are comprised of the gold and silver breed, and that ‘the god’ reinforces the natural hierarchy (1051). Socrates also tells Glaucon that iron and bronze are for farmers and craftsmen (1051). They also talked about the military camps of the guardians, where they discuss that they should be trained like wolves and not dogs (1051). Socrates tells Glaucon that if people believe that falsehood, they will be more willing to protect the state and each other. Such sentiments by Socrates show that if people hear a good lie, the republic will produce profitable results. By telling citizens that they have their type of metal (gold, silver, iron, and bronze) instilled in them, they will know their role and status in society. In Plato’s Republic, the discussion between Socrates and Glaucon provides a form of critical thinking among its citizens through the way they are given noble falsehoods to make them comfortable in their social class.

There are proper functions of the state. The state’s function is to provide leadership, maintain order, and facilitate the distribution of resources. The state that I have in mind is a democratic state. Regarding that, a democratic society should strive to promote equality among its citizens in their journey towards leadership, maintaining order, and serving its members. The leaders in the democratic state ensure the equal distribution of resources, encourage people to work together and share ideas on how they can improve the state, and promote tranquility among the citizens. Plato’s Republic fails to provide a defense for equality as people are divided and made to accept their role in society. Also, a democratic state does not teach its citizens to accept noble lies as precise truths to enable them to live their best lives. The falsehoods about gods and metallic souls are a way of expressing their literal truths. A democratic state is upfront with its citizens and does not give them falsehoods that are underpinned by philosophically accurate beliefs.

Philosophical life and critical thinking are advantageous for the state. The reason is that it allows for unity and harmony. Regarding Plato’s Republic, through critical thinking, Socrates and Glaucon devise a plan to make people accept their social class by knowing their metallic souls. In Plato’s Apology, Socrates encourages the people to practice self-examination of life and not believe anything they see. States should employ critical thinking and philosophical life to benefit the state. The problem, however, depends on how to use critical thinking and philosophical life for the state’s benefit. It is the state’s role to determine whether to use noble lies or use literal truths to help its citizens. From my perspective, literal truths will help both the state and its citizens to function properly.

Moral Theory

In subjective relativism, whatever someone believes is the truth. In the moral theory, the basis of truth is what someone believes and not the way things are (Vaughn 450). The theory holds that moral judgments are relative to what a person believes (450). Also, subjective relativism holds on to the notion that truth is relative to a person, as a belief can be true for one person but not to another (450). The theory holds that every individual is morally infallible as if they believe their action is right, then they cannot be morally wrong (451). An ethical case that shows subjective relativism is when a person believes that going to college will not help them, then that is their truth, and they are not wrong.

Social relativism is the notion that the truth is relative to society. In the moral theory, the truth depends on what society believes, and not an individual (51). Also, the theory supports egalitarianism; the idea that the beliefs of a particular society are equal (52). According to the theory, societies, and not individuals are infallible (52).

Cultural relativism depends on the beliefs of a particular culture. The author indicated that if a culture believes their action is right, then they are morally right (451). Moral truth is relative to cultures and cultures are viewed as infallible (451). Also, the moral theory holds that another individual cannot disagree with other peoples’ cultural beliefs and be right (541). People like Martin Luther King Jnr., Gandhi, and other philosophers believe that if a society believes in a certain action, then it is right (451). An ethical case of cultural relativism is how a Chinese society believes that women should be subordinate to men.

Conclusion

Therefore, everything depends on a person’s actions. The moral theory posits that a person should act in their best interests (451). Ethical egoism supports altruism on the basis that being nice to other people is in your best interest (451). An example of an ethical case is that if it is in your best interest to quit your job and not suffer any consequences, then egoism says that it is your moral duty to do it.