Define "truth."

The dictionary says "truth" is:

1. Conformity to fact or actuality.
2. A statement proven to be or accepted as true.
3. Sincerity; integrity.
4. Fidelity to an original or standard.
5. Reality; actuality.
6. often, Truth: that which is considered to be the supreme reality and to have the ultimate meaning and value of existence.

How do we know anything?

Do dogs and cats and cows and snakes know anything?

Do you know any truth?

Which of the following statements are true?

  • There are ten planets in our solar system.
  • Fatty foods are bad for you.
  • Fatty foods are good for you.
  • Abortion is wrong.
  • Global warming is caused by human activity.
  • Stealing is wrong.
  • God exists.
  • We live in a rational universe.
  • There is no truth.
  • Murder is wrong.
  • There is no such thing as right or wrong.
  • Nothing is either good or evil.
  • Time has no beginning or end
  • Drinking a glass of red wine a day is good for the health.
  • Drinking is bad for the health.
  • The moon is made of green cheese.
  • I think, therefore I am. (Descartes)
  • To say, "There is no truth!" is self-contradictory.
  • There is truth, but it cannot be known.
  • God is good.
  • God is…
  • I am a good person.
  • I am loveable
  • I deserve to be ruler of the world

Is this poll still "true" today? Go here for another, more recent poll.

What is the difference between a truth and a belief?

Many people believe in the existence of a personal God in whose image we are made. Is there a truth about that belief? That is, regardless of differing beliefs, is it either true for the universe (and therefore for all of humanity) or false ( and therefore for all humanity) that such a God exists? Do you believe in the concept of truth which holds that there is a reality about the things of the universe that we may not agree upon, but nevertheless those uncertain things either are or are not true, regardless of what we believe? If you do believe in truth that way, then is the existence of such a God an important question to pursue?

To pursue critical thinking rationally presupposes a reality about the universe which is independent of our preferences, wishes, or beliefs. --T.Butler

"A certain circumspection with regard to any claim to truth is entirely appropriate. But it ought not to lead us as far as dropping all claims to truth. That leaves us merely blundering about among various types of tradition……we must regard circumspection as a serious obligation with respect to any claim to truth, but we must also have the courage not to lose hold of the truth, to stretch toward it and to accept it humbly and thankfully, whenever it is given to us." --Joseph Ratzinger

"There is a dichotomy between what we are and what we do; and this creates an inclination toward a certain muddiness of spirit that Jean-Paul Sartre terms 'bad faith.' We are often guilty of hiding the truth from ourselves-or hiding ourselves from the truth."--Michael Casey, monk of Tarrawarra

"People make things up to make themselves believe what they want to be true."--a CRE 101 student. (That's the fallacy known as Wishful Thinking.)