The normative foundations of critical realism: a comment on Dave Elder-Vass and Leigh Price

Abstract

ABSTRACTAs a comment on the debate between Dave Elder-Vass and Leigh Price, I propose a dialogue between Bhaskar and Habermas. If we could introduce critical realism into critical theory, we might be able to strengthen its critique of positivism. Conversely, if we introduce critical theory into critical realism, we might be able to defend with more force judgmental rationalism and moral realism. The intuition that will guide my reflections is that the dialogical reconstruction of Habermas and Bhaskar can uphold the ‘holy trinity’ of ontological realism, epistemic relativism and judgmental rationalism in the field of ethics. If we succeed in defending moral realism and judgmental rationalism, we will avoid the spectre of moral relativism.