Truth can be referred to as knowledge that is in accordance with reality. The simplicity of truth seems inherent, but when one looks closely at the concept, it becomes hard to imagine that there is one single absolute truth in everything. Even philosophers have struggled with this concept. Let's look at some of the properties of an absolute truth.
- Fixed
- Invariable
- Unable to alter
While this is able to describe some concepts, it fails to describe others. The only logical assumption that we can therefore make is that there is another form of truth. After studying hermetic and Tibetan philosophy I have realized that there are two types of truth. An absolute truth which will always remain true, and a circumstantial truth which is dependent upon the situation.
An absolute truth is something that has existed forever and will continue to exist forever while a circumstantial truth will change dependent upon the circumstances. They may be true today and will be false tomorrow. They could be true for one group of people and untrue for others. So let's come up with two operational definitions for truth.
Absolute Truth is a piece of knowledge or fact which is fixed and invariable. It's truth value has and always will be true. They are the most objective pieces of information.
Circumstantial Truth is a piece of knowledge or fact which is not fixed and is variable. It's truth value is dependent upon the factors that comprise it. Statistics are a perfect example of circumstantial truths.
Absolute Truth Examples
That will always be true because indeed I was given a name. There is nothing that will change the fact at all that I was given a name.
2. The sun is a star
It is true because nothing will likely change the fact that the sun is a star.
3. I like the color red now
This is true because at a certain point in time I liked the color red. Whether this changes is irrelevant. The fact will always remain that at that specific point in time that I liked the color red.
Circumstantial Truth Examples
1. I like the color red
This is circumstantial because of it's lack of specificity. I may not always like the color red in the future
2. Asians have higher IQ
This is circumstantial because this isn't true for every individual Asian. Some Asians have extremely low IQ especially in the poorer areas.
Concepts Based upon Absolute and Circumstantial Truths
ABSOLUTE
- Mathematical principles(especially the concept of constants)
- Polarities(positive & negative, light and dark, hot and cold)
CIRCUMSTANTIAL
- Statistics
- Estimations
- Political Morality
0 comments:
Post a Comment