ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that rationality is closely connected to the overall coherence of our thoughts and activities that include words and actions, theories and practices. It examines the notion of commensurability as it may be applied within natural science. The chapter also examines the nature of practical knowledge, and explains how that sort of knowledge leads some theorists to fear the spectre of relativism. It discusses T. S. Kuhn's interpretive account of natural science. In Kuhn's case the accusation arises because of his insistence that it is only the scientific community which is in a position to decide which theories and normal working practices are to be adopted. The chapter argues that there are no substantive differences between theoretical and practical interest and that there are no necessary distinctions between the interpretation of social or natural phenomena. It outlines a form of objectivism through the idea that criteria for rationality are universally applicable.
