Philosophy and Pluralism

We inhabit a world of differences - cultural, religious, moral, philosophical. The question that preoccupies the contributors to this volume is whether the fact of difference - plurality - inevitably leads to the conclusion that there cannot be a single truth, even in moral matters. As befits a volume on pluralism, it brings together a wide variety of contributors with different backgrounds and distinctive skills and attitudes. The implications of plurality are examined with regard to religion, morality and philosophy itself, but the essays range widely to consider how we should respond at the social and political levels to the facts of plurality and the claims of the pluralist. No reader will be left in any doubt that the debate about pluralism raises questions that are fundamental not only for philosophical argumentation but for society at large.

• Brings together a wide variety of contributors with different backgrounds and skills • Addresses fundamental religious, moral and philosophical issues • Considers how to respond to pluralists’ claims at the social and political level

1. Introduction David Archard; 2. Philosophy in different cultural contexts Alan Montefiore; 3. A case for philosophical pluralism: the problem of intentionality Dermot Moran; 4. William James, ‘A Certain Blindness’ and an uncertain pluralism Anthony Skillen; 5. Cultural realism: the ancient philosophical background J. D. G. Evans; 6. Religion and pluralism Terry O’Keeffe; 7. A single true morality? The challenge of relativism Harry Bunting; 8. Pluralism, realism and truth C. J. McKnight; 9. Value-pluralism John Skorupski; 10. Moral philosophy and its anti-pluralist bias Bhikhu Parekh; 11. Coping with the many-coloured dome: pluralism and practical reason Keith Graham; 12. Rawlsians, pluralists, and cosmopolitans Attracta Ingram; 13. Political liberalism, secular republicanism: two answers to the challenges of pluralism Catherine Audard; 14. ‘Race’ in Britain and the politics of difference Tariq Modood; 15. Tragedy, moral conflict, and liberalism Susan Mendus; References.