What is the true definition of truth?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition of truth, exploring its relationship with facts, concepts, and subjective interpretations. Participants engage in philosophical reasoning, questioning the nature of truth in relation to observed facts and absolute truths.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants cite Marx's definition of truth as "agreement with fact," suggesting that truth equates to observed facts and questioning the existence of absolute truth.
  • Others argue that "observed fact" is not absolute and propose that the term "compatible" may be a better descriptor for reality than "true."
  • One participant defines truth as a concept derived from absolute axioms and facts, while another challenges the notion that facts can be biased.
  • There is a discussion about the limitations of language in defining truth, with some participants expressing uncertainty about the adequacy of terms used.
  • Some participants assert that truth is what "actually is," while others emphasize the importance of logic and evidence in discovering truth.
  • A participant critiques the precision of definitions, arguing that a precise but incorrect definition is less useful than a vague but correct one.
  • There are claims that truth is subjective and accepted by individuals, with a distinction made between objective observations and interpretations.
  • Some participants raise questions about the implications of truth in mathematics and the nature of observations as facts.
  • One participant discusses the concept of truth in relation to quantum mechanics, highlighting the challenges of knowing the characteristics of a wave function before observation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views on the definition of truth, with no consensus reached. The discussion remains unresolved as different interpretations and definitions are proposed and debated.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in their definitions and the dependence on subjective interpretations, as well as the unresolved nature of certain philosophical questions regarding truth.

  • #31
Originally posted by Alexander
Best definition of truth I ever read came from Marx: "Truth is agreement with fact." In essense, this equates truth with observed fact. Therefore, there is no "absolute truth" or "the truth" - all we have is just observed fact(s).

Is there any better definition of truth?
Truth is relative to the observer and has more to do with "timing" than anything else. Which is to say, there's a time and place for everything. Then and only then could the truth possibly exist (i.e., in its own time).
 

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