35 E.F. Mortimer and C.N. El-Hani (eds.), Conceptual Profiles: A Theory of Teaching and Learning Scientific Concepts, Contemporary Trends and Issues in Science Education 42, DOI 10.1007/978-90-481-9246-5_2, © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2014 2.1 The Conceptual Profile Theory and the Charge of Relativism Let us begin by considering an idea that plays an important role in the conceptual profile theory, namely, the notion of heterogeneity despite genetic hierarchy, pro- posed by Wertsch (1991). Wertsch assumes that different forms of thinking can be ranked genetically (in the sense of development or generation), but more recent forms are not assumed to be more powerful. Based on the notion of “spheres of life” put forward by William James (1907) in his description of where common sense, science, and critical philosophy may be adequate and appropriate, and on the “activity-oriented” approach outlined by Tulviste (1991), Wertsch claims that the development of new forms of activity gives rise to new types of thinking, but, since the earlier forms of activity continue to fulfill some role in culture, older types of thinking are preserved and continue to function well in appropriate con- texts. This idea can lead to a charge of relativism. Although we do not consider this to be a fair criticism of either Wertsch’s or our position, it is indeed necessary to build a case against this interpretation. The goal of this chapter is to directly face Chapter 2 The Epistemological Grounds of the Conceptual Profile Theory Charbel N. El-Hani, Waldomiro José da Silva-Filho, and Eduardo F. Mortimer C.N. El-Hani (*) Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia, Rua Barão do Geremoabo, s/n, Campus de Ondina, Ondina, 40170-290 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil e-mail: charbel@ufba.br; charbel.elhani@gmail.com W.J. da Silva-Filho Department of Philosophy , Faculty of Philosophy and Human Sciences, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil E.F. Mortimer Faculty of Education, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, 31.270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil e-mail: mortimer@ufmg.br