ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the idea of uniformity of method with methodological pluralism. It describes a form of relativism about rational scientific belief which makes rationality depend on contextually variant methodological standards. The chapter considers objections to the effect that rationality is relative because rationality just is compliance with operative standards. It presents a view of rational theory choice as akin to practical decision making, on which rationality is objective even without fixed method. The chapter also presents a version of epistemological relativism on which scientific rationality depends on variant methodological standards. It explores the question whether a plurality of methodological standards leads to rationality relativism. The chapter argues that, for relativism to follow from a plurality of standards, it is necessary to assume that mere compliance with accepted standards suffices for rationality. It concludes that the distinction between normative rationality and mere conformity with operative standards is one that is available to the methodological pluralist.
