Conversing Across Communities: Relativism and Difference

Abstract

Introduction:  Does the recognition of incompatible logical and linguistic practices in different communities mean that there can be no communication across communities? Strong linguistic, cultural or logical relativism suggests not only that a culture is impenetrable unless one has complete command of the language, but also that any particular community is inaccessible to non participants. Weaker and more plausible forms of linguistic/cultural relativism make possible discussion about difference. This paper argues that while there are cultural differences in discourse styles, communities can be defined in which difference can be discussed across cultural divides. Such communities are defined in terms of the practices of listening and arguing according to broadly conceived criteria of rationality, in the fashion of so called 'discourse ethics'.