Relationism

Relationism can refer to a framework of social thought governing political, economic and social behaviour; or to a particular philosophical position on the ontology of fundamental quantities of physics.

Relationism in social thought

"Relationism is based on the ethical values of the Jewish and Christian traditions, and its fundamental premise the is that all areas of social life should be organised so as to ensure relational proximity between persons because the well-being of the individual and community is determined by the quality of personal relationships." (Dr Michael Schluter, Relationships Foundation, Cambridge, UK)

There are nine principles of Relationism as it relates to the wider community, and to its particular social action agenda. They are:

1. The key importance of the quality of relationships for personal and social wellbeing.

2. A special concern for those who are disadvantaged either relationally or materially (including the recognition of relational poverty, which can coexist with material riches).

3. The importance of family, as a primary foundation for the love, support and welfare of the individual.

4. The value of personal and family rootedness in cities, towns, neighbourhoods and villages to build strong communities.

5. The diffusion of political and economic power widely in society.

6. A commitment to justice and reconciliation at personal, corporate, regional, ethnic and racial levels as the basis for achieving peace and social harmony.

7. The use of money and other resources, and the structuring of financial systems to foster healthy commercial, social and international relations.

8. The importance of governments and public and private sector organisations upholding an environment in which relationships thrive.

9. The importance of individuals sustaining personal and social relationships and to have due regard for the relationships and welfare of other people.

For current research on Relationism, see Relationships Foundation [http://www.relationshipsfoundation.org]

See also Personalism

Relationism in physics

Relationism (and therefore a "relationist") denies that space and time are basic entities ontologically on a par with matter and radiation. In contrast, absolutism regards space and time as fundamental and logically anterior to matter and radiation. Ernst Mach was a relationist, Issac Newton an absolutist. Albert Einstein was a relationist by philosophical disposition, though his theory of gravity - General Relativity - did not achieve the level of relationism desired by Mach.

Also in philosophy (e.g. Marburg School and Nicholas Hartman) relationism may be viewed in Mach's terms. Every object needs to be defined through a reference frame to other objects, or every ethical norm in relation to other norms. Relationism in this sense is a precursor to coherentism in epistemology and moral philosophy.

See also Philosophy of space and time.