Lesson 6- Theories of Truth - for hand outs.pdf

Methods of Philosophizing (Part 2) Theories of Truth LESSON 6 Mr. Edward B. Noda Jr.  In knowing the truth or falsity of a statement, we generally use the following Theories of Truth: 1. The Correspondence Theory of Truth : ▪ The basic idea of the correspondence...

Methods of Philosophizing (Part 2) Theories of Truth LESSON 6 Mr. Edward B. Noda Jr.  In knowing the truth or falsity of a statement, we generally use the following Theories of Truth: 1. The Correspondence Theory of Truth : ▪ The basic idea of the correspondence theory is that what we believe or say is true if it corresponds to the way things actually are based on the facts. ▪ It argues that an idea that correspond with reality is true while an idea, which does not correspond to reality is false.  1. The Correspondence Theory of Truth: For example, if I say, “The sky is blue” then I looked outside and saw that it is indeed blue, then my statement is true. On the other hand, if I say, “Pigs have wings” and then I checked a pig and it does not have wings, then my statement is false  1. The Correspondence Theory of Truth: The Correspondence Theory of Truth would have sense perception or experience as its source of knowledge.  Fact vs. Belief A fact cannot be either true or A fact is some set false because it of circumstances simply the way the in the world while world is. a belief is an A belief, however, opinion about what is capable of being those facts are. true or false because it may or may not accurately describe the world. Correspondence Theory assumes that a belief is true when we are able to confirm it with reality. In other words, by simply checking if the statement or belief agrees with the way things really are, we can know the truth.  2.The Coherence Theory of Truth Deals with the consistency of the truth of statements being claimed within the system that is being used or employed. For example: use of a formula for a certain mathematical problem. Coherence- the quality of being logical and consistent.  2.The Coherence Theory of Truth In a sense, the Coherence Theory is similar to the Correspondence Theory since both evaluates statements based on their agreement with reality. The difference lies in the method where the former involves a larger system while the latter relies on a single evidence of fact. 3. The Pragmatic Theory of Truth The Pragramatic Theory of Truth states that a belief/statement is true if it has a useful (pragmatic)PRACTICAL application in the world. If it does not, Pragmatism as a philosophical then it is not true. viewpoint is associated with William James  3. The Pragmatic Theory of Truth “If I do this, what is in it for me?” Once you examine your choices or alternatives, you would take into consideration the good and practical consequences before making a decision. We can know if statements/beliefs are true if we look at each statement/belief and determine if they correspond to facts, cohere with the rules of the system and result into useful application. The Allegory of the Cave Let’s Analyze What does this story mean? Knowledge comes from the senses BUT real knowledge is born out of philosophical process. Symbolism: Cave: Sun: Ignorance Philosophical misunderstanding truth and knowledge Reaction of prisoners: hesitation to Shadows: seek truth and perceptions knowledge Symbolism: Escaped prisoner: Philosophers, people who Journey of the escaped seeks knowledge outside the prisoner: journey on finding cave (comfort zone) truth and wisdom