The philosophical malady of relativism, or how a fruitful discussion is possible

Preface to the Ukrainian translation of K. Popper’s The Myth of the Framework

Abstract

The article functions as a preface to the Ukrainian translation of Karl Popper’s The Myth of the Framework. Its objective is to elucidate the author’s stance on the possibility of a fruitful discussion among individuals holding views grounded in divergent fundamental principles. In contrast to the prevalent relativistic perspective, which posits that the possibility of discussion is contingent on the congruence of underlying principles, Popper justifies a direct correlation between the initial divergence in perspectives among discussion participants and its fruitfulness. The article demonstrates the place of the translated work in the evolution of Popper’s perspective on science and critical rationality, as well as the correspondence of its content to critical rationalism as his philosophical credo. The author, particularly in reference to H. Albert, underscores a pivotal historical and philosophical context to facilitate a more profound comprehension of both Popper’s philosophy in its broader sense and the substance of his article The Myth of the Framework. This refers to the foundation of Popper’s views in the tradition of the ancient and modern Enlightenment, which influenced his conception of critical rationality, the unity of theoretical and practical philosophy, and the prioritization of the problem of freedom in its various manifestations. The author of the article posits that Popper’s focus does not pertain so much to the possibility of a rational and fruitful discussion between adherents of divergent frameworks, but rather to the actualization of the Kantian way of asking how such a discussion is possible. Drawing on the practice of discussion in the natural sciences, Popper develops a model of critical discussion, analyzes the logical, methodological, and psychological conditions for its possibility, and thus refutes what he calls the myth of the framework. The article also emphasizes the practical significance of such a refutation as understood by Popper, which is associated with the danger of increasing the probability of violence and war.