contextualism
The position that knowledge claims must be understood relative to the context but still require rational coherence and sense-making.
1 chapter across 1 book
Epistemology: An Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge (2003)Nicholas Rescher
Chapter 9 critiques cognitive relativism, which holds that all knowledge standards are equally valid based solely on group acceptance, arguing that this position is flawed because it ignores the rational primacy of our own epistemic standards. The chapter contrasts relativism with contextualism, emphasizing that reason and objective standards—though not absolute or godlike—are necessary for meaningful inquiry and that rational acceptance carries a claim to universality. It concludes that relativism fails due to its neglect of functional efficacy in rational inquiry and that reasonable individuals can identify truths through shared rational standards.