Constructive Alternativism and the Assault on Truth

Abstract

Constructive alternativism, the philosophical position that the universe is always open to alternate interpretations, can be seen as consistent with current political rhetoric stating that conservative operatives are considering “alternative facts”. In this paper, I argue that such an interpretation of constructive alternativism is erroneous. I first explain the ways Kellian philosophy would argue that there is a real world that plays a role in our constructions of it. I then outline some criteria for evaluating whether constructions of the universe do justice to Kellian principles. I conclude with using these criteria to evaluate current political rhetoric in the United States.