Introducing the Student Relativist: A Philosophical Approach to SoTL
Abstract
Student relativism is the assertion of many undergraduates that truth, morality, and so on are relative. It has long been a part of the SoTL discussion in philosophy, in part because it resembles a traditional philosophical relativism. It is also quite common in introductory philosophy courses. But as Wilbert J. McKeachie (2011) and others have suggested, student relativism can hinder learning in significant ways, and in a wide range of courses. This session will open with a basic analysis of student relativism and the challenges it can pose to student learning. Then we will briefly highlight some of the engagement strategies for student relativism developed in philosophy's SoTL literature. By carefully engaging with the student relativists in our classes, we can gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental ideas that shape their learning.
Location
Room 217
Recommended Citation
Erion, Gerald, "Introducing the Student Relativist: A Philosophical Approach to SoTL" (2013). SoTL Commons Conference. 50.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/sotlcommons/SoTL/2013/50
Introducing the Student Relativist: A Philosophical Approach to SoTL
Room 217
Student relativism is the assertion of many undergraduates that truth, morality, and so on are relative. It has long been a part of the SoTL discussion in philosophy, in part because it resembles a traditional philosophical relativism. It is also quite common in introductory philosophy courses. But as Wilbert J. McKeachie (2011) and others have suggested, student relativism can hinder learning in significant ways, and in a wide range of courses. This session will open with a basic analysis of student relativism and the challenges it can pose to student learning. Then we will briefly highlight some of the engagement strategies for student relativism developed in philosophy's SoTL literature. By carefully engaging with the student relativists in our classes, we can gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental ideas that shape their learning.
