What is True and How Do We Know?
The purpose of this discussion assignment is to reflect upon your understanding of epistemology, i.e., the philosophical approach to knowledge and truth. In 1-2 pages, address the following:
Identify a belief you think is true.
Identify and explain a philosophical account of truth from the readings that might help support your belief. For example, say the belief is that you are awake right now. Is this something you would prove using empirical evidence? If so, discuss at least one version of empiricism and the correspondence theory of truth. If the belief is one that refers to a paradigm (math, for example), discuss Cartesian rationalism and the coherence theory of truth. If it is one that does not admit of empirical or logical warrantability, discuss Deconstruction and/or the Pragmatic and Ewe Creativity approaches to truth.
To address the question of what is true and how we know, it is necessary to explore various philosophical accounts of truth.
First, let's begin by identifying a belief that you think is true. For the purpose of illustration, let's consider the belief that "gravity exists." This is a belief that most individuals hold to be true based on their everyday experiences and observations.
To support this belief, one philosophical account of truth that can be explored is the correspondence theory of truth. According to this theory, truth is defined as the correspondence between a proposition and the way the world is. In the case of the belief in gravity, the correspondence theory of truth would propose that the truth of this belief can be verified through empirical evidence. One version of empiricism that can be considered is the verificationist approach.
The verificationist approach, rooted in empiricism, suggests that truth can only be determined based on empirical observations and verifiable evidence. In the case of gravity, empirical evidence such as objects falling when dropped or the behavior of celestial bodies can support the belief in its existence. By observing and collecting data, we can verify the truth of our belief.
On the other hand, if the belief referred to a paradigm like mathematics, the Cartesian rationalism and the coherence theory of truth can be explored. Cartesian rationalism suggests that truth can be obtained through rational and deductive reasoning. In the case of mathematical truths, they are considered to be a priori and exist independent of empirical evidence.
The coherence theory of truth posits that a belief is true if it coheres or fits cohesively with other beliefs within a system. In the case of mathematics, mathematical truths cohere within a system of logical principles and axioms. For example, if a mathematical statement is consistent within the rules and principles of a mathematical system, it is considered true.
Lastly, if the belief does not admit of empirical or logical warrantability, one can consider alternative philosophical approaches such as Deconstruction and the Pragmatic and Ewe Creativity approaches to truth.
Deconstruction challenges traditional notions of truth and asserts that there is no fixed or absolute truth. Instead, truth is seen as a result of individual interpretations and contexts. This approach suggests that truths are socially constructed and can vary depending on different perspectives.
The Pragmatic approach to truth emphasizes the practical consequences of belief and actions. According to this perspective, truth is determined by its usefulness and effectiveness. In the case of a belief that does not admit empirical evidence, its truth value can be evaluated based on the practical consequences it has on our thinking and actions.
The Ewe Creativity approach to truth, influenced by African philosophy, suggests that truth is found through a process of creative inquiry and engagement with the world. It emphasizes the importance of intuition, creativity, and personal experiences in the search for truth.
In conclusion, understanding what is true and how we know it requires exploring various philosophical accounts of truth. Depending on the nature of the belief, different approaches like the correspondence theory of truth, empiricism, rationalism, coherence theory, deconstruction, and pragmatic and Ewe creativity approaches may provide insight into supporting the belief.