PHIL 201STUDY GUIDE: LESSON 12What Is Truth?Lesson OverviewIn this lesson, we turn our attention to the issue of truth and ask two basic questions: what is truth? and how do we find it? We discuss whether or not anything is actually true and then look at traditional ways that truth has been defined: correspondence, coherentism, and pragmatism. We will examine each of these theories and how each relates to truth.TasksView and take notes of the presentation, “What is Truth?”- Know the strengths and criticisms of the 3 different truth theories.1. Correspondence Theorya. States that a proposition is true if it corresponds with the facts of realityb. Criticisms: We may not see reality equally or accurately c. Non-factual claims- truth applies only to factual claimsd. Correspondence is vaguee. Does not account for Liar’s paradox i. A paradox does not count as legitimate truth claims 2. Coherence Theorya. A propositions true if it coheres with other true propositionsb. Strengths: does help to establish truths in an area where we don’t knowc. that many systems and non-factual areas work this way: ethics, politics, mathd. Criticisms: coherence is a necessary condition for truth but is not a sufficient condition for truth. e. Not adequate to determine truthf. How does one start a system going?g. Not linked at all with the real world3. Pragmatic Theorya. A proposition is true if it successful in explaining phenomena or in achieving desired consequences. b. Criticisms: There is no logical connection between what works and what is true. c. Makes truth tentative and changeable d. Need a criterion to determine successful - Be able to answer the criticisms of the correspondence theory.1. We may not see reality equally or accurately.2. What about non-factual claims?3. "Correspondence" is vague.4. Correspondence theory doesn't account for Liar's paradox (Universal claim: I always lie) - a Paradox-do not count as legitimate truth claimsRead Chapter 4 of How Do We Know? An Introduction to Epistemology. As you do, consider the following questions and points:Page 1 of 3PHIL 2011. Why do postmodern anti-realists reject truth claims? Overstating their case, drawing illogical conclusions. Foolish to say that there can be no correspondence whatsoever between statements and reality. If so, then we would continue thinking that truth statements are those that correspond to the world itself. (pg. 58)2. What is wrong with the postmodern rejection of truth claims?Overstating their case, drawing illogical conclusions. Foolish to say that there can be no correspondence whatsoever between statements and reality. If so, then we would continuethinking that truth statements are those that correspond to the world itself. (pg. 58)3. What are the 4 reasons Dew and Foreman give in favor of making truth claims?4. What are the differences between a definition of truth and a test for truth? Definition - describes the nature of an object, concept or truth. Particularly interested in comprehending its nature.Test - a test for something is a means which we identify or locate it. When it comes to truth claims, tests are used to see which ones are right and which ones are wrong. (pg. 52)5. Which theory of truth has enjoyed the most historical support? Correspondence theory of truth (pg. 52) 6. What is a coherentist theory of truth? A proposition is true if it coheres with, or is consistent with, everything else that a person believes. 7. What is wrong with coherentism as a theory of truth? A set of beliefs held by fallible human beings may be coherent, but false. A proposition is true if it successful in explaining phenomena or in achieving desired consequences. 8. What epistemic value does coherentism have in helping us identify truth? 9. What is a pragmatist theory of truth? A set of beliefs that works for a particular person or group in dealing with reality or accomplishing particular tasks. 10. What is the primary concern for pragmatists? Just because the belief is helpful or useful to a person does not mean that the belief is true. Any given belief may work for one person but not for another. According to this law, it is impossible for something to be truewhile its exact opposite is also true at the same time. 11. What kinds of epistemological problems does pragmatism face?12. What does the correspondence theory of truth say about the nature of truth? Truth is that which corresponds to reality. Pg. 5613. Why is a correspondence theory of truth thought to be pretheoretic? It is not an idea that results from complex theory building about nature of truth but a belief that people bring their theorizing about truth. 14. How is a correspondence theory of truth supported by biblical Christianity? “Without the correspondence view of truth, these resounding affirmations can only ring hallow. Therefore, the correspondence view of truth is not simply one of many options for Christians. It is the only biblically and logically grounded view of truth available and allowable. We neglect or deny it to our peril and disgrace. Truth decay will not be dispelled without it”. 15. How does the correspondence theory of truth relate to modern science? Scientific theoriesmust be grounded in the real world. They are accountable to the reality they purport to represent. 16. What value, if any, do coherentism and pragmatism have as tests for truth? They are necessary conditions for truth but not sufficient conditions for truth. TermsPage 2 of 3PHIL 201Make sure you can explain the following terms and concepts:- Correspondence Theory- States that a proposition is true if it corresponds with the facts of reality- Coherence Theory- A propositions true if it coheres with other true propositions- Pragmatic Theory- A proposition is true if it successful in explaining phenomena or in achieving desired consequences. - Anti-Realism-- Postmodern Thought-- Definitions of Truth-- Solipsism- The belief that nothing exists other than themselves. They deny the existence of all physical reality. - Tests for Truth-- Web Metaphor-- Relativism-- Pragmatism and the Law of Non-Contradiction-- Pretheoretic Intuitions-Page 3 of