Title: The Logic of Relativism
Description: This in-depth study aims to develop a rigorous analysis of the nature and the logic of relativism in general as a basis for evaluating the charge of self-refutation against relativism.  It develops a general definition of relativism that distinguishes relativism from structurally similar notions such as conventionalism and contextualism.  On the basis of this definition, it formulates a series of logical systems that each might be presented as candidates for the logic of relativism.  Each system is evaluated to see whether it can sustain the charge of self-refutation.  The result is that one of these systems can be proven not to be self-refuting, even under increasingly stronger challenges.  Consequently, this study argues that even global relativism can be demonstrated not to refute itself, despite the long history of arguments to the contrary.
Subjects: philosophy, relativism, logic