A objeção de Popper e Berlin à tese do relativismo cultural

Abstract

PROBLEM: The problematic of this article covers the theoretical position of Karl R. Popper and Isaiah Berlin on the thesis of cultural relativism. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to present Karl Popper's and Isaiah Berlin's counterpoints to the cultural relativism thesis, mainly by examining the texts The Myth of Context and The Search for the Ideal. METHODOLOGY: Using the deductive method, first Popper's theoretical position on the thesis of cultural relativism will be analyzed. After that, Berlin's theoretical position will be analyzed. Finally, both positions will be analyzed in exemplary cases. RESULT: The analysis carried out allows us to criticize the thesis of cultural relativism, according to which any rational discussion is only possible with the sharing of common contexts. It advances by proposing the need for confrontation between different cultures and contexts and the use of in the critique of relativism. CONCLUSIONS: As a conclusion of the paper, according to relativism, rational discussion would only be possible if individuals shared common contexts, including cultural ones. Popper, on the contrary, affirms that our civilization comes precisely from the confrontation of different cultures and, consequently, from the confrontation of different contexts. In the same vein, Isaiah Berlin suggests methodological pluralism in the struggle against relativism; collisions, for him, are part of the essence of values. Berlin advises to criticize those who suggest that these contradictions will be resolved in some perfect world.