Abstract

DIAZ CRUZ, Rodrigo. Ways of Speaking, Styles of Reasoning: On some Varieties of Arrogant Reason. Relac. Estud. hist. soc. [online]. 2009, vol.30, n.120, pp.65-97. ISSN 2448-7554.

There is at least one point at which the absolutist and relativist positions come together, despite their ample differences: both are overwhelmed by the certainties that give them life. While one postulates them on the global scale -forever and everywhere- the other works at the level of local terrains, ways of life or specific cultures, delimiting them with great precision. While one demands that the cognizant subject exiles her/himself from all culture, history, and even language, in order to be transformed into the eye of God, the certainties of the other inevitably imprison or embed subjects in their own ways of life, languages or cultures, niches in the world from which they cannot escape.

Keywords : relativism; reason; certainty.