Philosophy of Truth Essay Example for Free

Philosophy of Truth Essay in that location are m each theories on the meaning of truth, and with those theories come teachings and questions as to why angiotensin converting enzyme is more adapted than the others. The theory that I ordain discuss as the most adequate is the correspondence theory. Honestly, I dont bear the capabilities to fully determine the most sufficient theory of truth. I do, however, take for empirical evidence and cheering reasoning to support the correspondence theory. There are many valid arguments and questions of this theory that I am non qualified to completely refute. For the sake of this essay I am just now suitable to bear upon this age old discussion, not to conclude with an exact theory of truth to follow. First I will introduce the basic ideas of the correspondence theory and then I will envision why I support these ideas. Then I will present what some other philosophers have said in regards to the correspondence theory and how I inte rpret these dictations. To end, I will discuss the basic arguments against the correspondence theory, and show reasons as to why these arguments are applicable to any theory.The belief of the correspondence theory says that a statement is truthful only if the facts given match up with verity. (Solomon p. 268) This can be a very unsophisticated approach to find the truth. The basic idea is that if, based on my understanding of reality, the statement given matches that reality then the statement is true. If the statement does not correspond to reality then it is false. A statement is a sentence that can be determined to be true or false precisely not both at the said(prenominal) time. So ultimately I use past experiences and beliefs to determine my supposition of reality.Then, based on my idea of reality, I determine if a statement is either true or false. To say of what is that it is not, or of what is not that it is, is false, while to say of what is that it is, or of what is not that it is not, is true (Solomon p 268) This was Aristotles belief in Metaphysics and seems to be a very clear-cut statement on how to determine truth. Either a statement is true or false. The law of contradiction says that a statement and its denial cannot both be true. (Solomon p. 266) This reinforces the belief that a statement cannot be true and false at the same time.As Aristotle overly said in Metaphysics It is impossible for the same man to suppose at the same time that the same thing is and is not. (Solomon p 266) This however, as some still argue, does not solve the problem that what may true to one, may be false to another(prenominal). If reality is based on my experiences, then having different experiences can capture different perceptions of reality. The argument of whom or what would determine the final truth is well beyond my qualifications. This can arrive at a contradiction of truth.This contradiction, based on an somebodys idea of reality, is another con cept that I am able to only understand and take a position. I do not have the final answers to these arguments but I do have a perspective. An individuals concept of reality is unique to that individual. Based on ones experiences comes that persons concept of reality. Just be ground someones experiences cause them to believe one truth, doesnt mean they are wrong if I believe another truth. This idea of reality is what causes philosophers to discuss different theories of truth and their credibilitys on many different levels.These extreme cases and pinch ideas is where the correspondence theory draws in the critics. I feel that some of these arguments, though valid, are applicable to any theory. The first argument of this theory roots from the name itself. This argument of the correspondence theory states that in that location is no such thing as a statement or belief that by itself is capable of interchangeable to anything. (Solomon p268) This means that mainly because our words have different meanings in different languages there is not one single statement that can correspond to anything.I feel that this is a weak argument in that it would mean that nothing can be true. There are many different languages and there is no single word I be of that is universal. This argument could be applied to any theory of truth. If what I say is not true to everyone, then it is false. That seems to be the basis of this argument and because of this belief nothing could be true. To me that is an outrageous and un-realistic argument. The next point critics of the correspondence theory make is that there in some cases may be physical implications with verifying correspondence. One example of this for me may be my diabetes.If I say my bank line sugar is low the only way to verify if that is true is through the use of my glucose meter. Without the correct equipment there is no way to tell if that statement is true. (At least until Im in a coma ). To me this still seems to hav e a simple solution the truth isnt known until it can be verified. I truly do not know if my blood sugar is low until I have tested it. This may cause me to have to rely on another persons statement but then I can only form an opinion. If I cannot verify the truth physically then I do not know if it is true. This brings up the next argument.The final point I will talk about is that of abstract ideas. approximately people will argue that the correspondence theory does not work for abstract ideas, such as love and feelings. These are difficult to verify since they are mostly feelings. There is no concrete base to match them up with. To find the truth in these areas is very difficult with any theory of truth. The scoop out answer I have to counter this objection is that the truth to these abstract ideas is unique to every individual and is really more of an opinion. If someone says I am hungry that is really more of an opinion than a statement.Therefore these claims cannot be either true or false, they are a feeling and that is not for me to guess as truth or not. This leads me to conclude that the correspondence theory is the most adequate theory for determining truth. As long as a belief or statement corresponds with my perception of reality then it is the truth. Though there are valid arguments against this theory I feel that they are a extend and can be argued against any theory of truth. Bibliography Solomon, Robert, Introducing Philosophy, 8th edition, (Oxford University Press, NY 2005) pp266-279.