Why Is Truth Important?
Introduction
Truth, Beauty and Goodness are three transcendentals that correspond to three different human endeavors: science, the arts and religion. The disciplines in philosophy that study them are logic, aesthetics and ethics, correspondingly. Each of them is important aspects of civilization. I will discuss the importance of truth from a societal and personal perspective.
Exactly what truth is a subject of volumes upon volumes of theories. A good starting point is the correspondence theory of truth. It states quite simply that the truth must correspond to the state of affairs out there in the world. But that is problematic as we may question what is real and what is a construction of our own minds. Also, facts in the external world may not even be accessible to us. At least implicitly, any truth statement must contain an implicit model of the world.
Societal importance of Truth
Perhaps the ideal of truth is best interpreted as an honest attempt at finding out that which the facts bear out without any corrupting agenda. For practical purposes, this approach will often suffice but it is important to recognize that the fact that things are often dependent on interpretation is also a truth. Such an attitude is integral to successful conflict resolution. Without truth there cannot be justice; truth is a precondition of justice.
Personal importance of Truth
The personal importance of truth lies in the ability of the truth to set one free. Living an honest life will free allow one to live in peace with oneself and the world. Deliberately misleading oneself or others about important things can be a heavy load to carry cognitively, emotionally and morally.
Hi Markku. Living an honest life is truly the way to live. Carrying the burden of misleading people will weigh heavy and will only end in misery. I wish everyone would be more truthful and life would be a whole lot easier.
Truth is the only way to happy.
"The Truth That Sets Us Free"
What you say here, is to reason then the three words Truth, beauty and goodness We can combine them into one. Honesty.
Friend I like you describe, your social and personal perspective.
Hi Markku. very good topic. and honesty is the healthiest thing there can be. and more if you are honest with yourself. Being honest can hurt, but only hurt for a short period of time, while if you are not honest it will hurt you forever.