Relationalism

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Not to be confused with Relativism or Relationism (disambiguation).

Relationalism is any theoretical position that gives importance to the relational nature of things. For relationalism, things exist and function only as relational entities. Relationalism may be contrasted with relationism, which tends to emphasize relations per se.

Relationalism (philosophical theory)

Relationalism, in the broadest sense, applies to any system of thought that gives importance to the relational nature of

particulars
. Particulars are inherently relational, as they are ontologically open to other particulars in their constitution and action. Relational particulars, in the relationalist view, are the ultimate constituents of reality.

Relationalism (theory of space and time)

In discussions about

space and time as systems of relations that exist between objects. More generally, in physics and philosophy, a relational theory is a framework to understand reality or a physical system in such a way that the positions and other properties of objects are only meaningful relative to other objects. In a relational spacetime theory, space does not exist unless there are objects in it; nor does time exist without events. The relational view proposes that space is contained in objects and that an object represents within itself relationships to other objects. Space can be defined through the relations among the objects that it contains considering their variations through time. This is an alternative to an absolute theory, in which the space exists independently of any objects that can be immersed in it.[7]

The relational point of view was advocated in physics by

general theory of relativity. Several attempts have been made to formulate a full Machian theory, but most physicists think that none have so far succeeded. For example, see Brans–Dicke theory
.

unified theory of gravity and quantum mechanics, string theory, as retaining absolute space. Some prefer a developing theory of gravity, loop quantum gravity
, for its 'backgroundlessness'.

Relationalism (colour theory)

Relationalism in

colour theory, as defended by Jonathan Cohen and others,[8][9] means the view that colours of an object are constituted partly in terms of relations with the perceiver. An anti-relationalist view about colour, on the other hand, would insist colours are object-dependent.[10]

Relationalism (sociological theory)

In relational sociology, relationalism is often contrasted with substantivalism. While substantivalism (also called substantialism) tends to view individuals as self-subsistent entities capable of social interaction, relationalism underscores the social human practices and the individual's transactional contexts and reciprocal relations.[11]

References

  1. ^ Kaipayil, Joseph (2008). "An Essay on Ontology". Bangalore: JIP Publications.
  2. ^ Kaipayil, Joseph (2009). "Relationalism: A Theory of Being" (Document). Bangalore: JIP Publications.
  3. ^ "Joseph Kaipayil". Academia.edu. 2015-08-03. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
  4. OCLC 233972723
    .
  5. ISBN 9780415755207
    .
  6. OCLC 228148102
    .
  7. ^ a b c "Absolute and Relational Theories of Space and Motion" (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)
  8. OCLC 316430262
    .
  9. JSTOR 23315112
    .
  10. ^ Gatzia, Dimitria Electra (2007). "Color Fictionalism: Color Discourse without Colors". {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  11. S2CID 32877513. Archived from the original
    (PDF) on 2019-03-04.

External links
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