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. coherence theory strengths: First, it helps to establish truths in an area where we don't know all the facts. - many systems and non-factual areas work this way: ethics, politics, math. They all seem to work with this idea that, if it fits in well with our theory, then, in fact, that probably makes it true. value claims often cohere together with other sets of values, and that's what we mean here.Coherence theory weaknesses: while coherence is a necessary condition for truth-it's not a sufficient condition for truth; it simply means it doesn't contradict. -how does one judge the truthfulness of the systems themselves? -"How does one start a system going?" -the coherence theory is that it's not linked at all with the real world. It's only linked with systems of beliefs.2. Correspondence Theory, Strengths: it accords with our most basic intuitions abouttruth. It is simply what most of us mean when we say a proposition is true or false. It corresponds with what is actually real.-A second strength of this theory is that it links truth with reality, which provides us with a reliable check on the truthfulness of propositions. We have criteria for determining whether a proposition is true or not. We simply check with reality to see if a particular proposition accurately corresponds with the facts. If it corresponds with the facts, then the proposition is true. If it doesn't, then the proposition is false.Correspondence theory weaknesses: Some say we may not see reality equally or accurately. We may see it differently. Therefore, how can we say that truth corresponds with reality? there is an important difference between a proposition being true and knowing that a proposition is true. -truth applies only to factual claims. -the idea of correspondence is kind of a vague idea (What we mean is that propositions are really truth bearers. They bear the truth within them. They represent the truth in content so that we can place epistemologically what we see metaphysically. That's what we mean by correspondence.)3. Pragmatic Theory: a proposition is true if it is successful in explaining phenomenaor in achieving desired consequences.Page 1 of 4PHIL 201- Be able to answer the criticisms of the correspondence theory.Read Chapter 4 of How Do We Know? An Introduction to Epistemology. As you do, consider the following questions and points:- Why do postmodern anti-realists reject truth claims?o they believe truth claims to be subjective, they think it is impossible for a person to view reality as it actually ito they suggest truth claims fail to appreciate the various ways that our live and understnaidng or reality are shaped- What is wrong with the postmodern rejection of truth claims?o The idea that nothing is really true is actually true about reality is a gross overstatment that leads to absutdity- What are the 4 reasons Dew and Foreman give in favor of making truth claims? o the statment that "nothing is true" is contridictoryo the position is challenged by the nature of reality itselfo each of us has an oversimplified sense of something that is actually trueo consider the achievements of modern science- What are the differences between a definition of truth and a test for truth?o defenition: decribes the nature of an object, concept, or evento Test: a means by which we identify or locate- Which theory of truth has enjoyed the most historical support? o Correspondance theory- What is a coherentist theory of truth? o a position is true it is coheres with everything else that a person believeso most important- claims must relate to each ofther in a cosistent and harmoinious fashion- What is wrong with coherentism as a theory of truth?o Problem: a set of beliefs held by falliable human being may be coherent but false- What epistemic value does coherentism have in helping us identify truth?- What is a pragmatist theory of truth?o pragmatism deines truth as a set of beliefs that work for a particular person or group in dealing with reality or accomplishing particular taskso the truth of an idea is not a stagnant property inherent of it. Truth happends to an idea, it becomes tru, and is made true by eventso if the belief helps someone cope with a hardship. it must be true- What is the primary concern for pragmatists?o just becasue an idea works for a person doesn't mean its trueo this view also lead to relativism and implasinility- What kinds of epistemological problems does pragmatism face?- What does the correspondence theory of truth say about the nature of truth?o states that the truth or falsity of a statement is determined only by how it relates tothe world and whether it accurately describes (i.e., corresponds with) that world.- Why is a correspondence theory of truth thought to be pretheoretic?Page 2 of 4PHIL 201o Because of its common sense approach and pre theoretic in that it is not an idea that results from complex theory but a belief that people bring to their theorizing about truth. Its is a basic assumption rooted in experience.- How is a correspondence theory of truth supported by biblical Christianity? o It is the only biblically and logically grounded view of truth available and allowable.- How does the correspondence theory of truth relate to modern science?o Scientific theories must be grounded in the real world, they are accountable to the reality they purport to represent.- What value, if any, do coherentism and pragmatism have as tests for truth?o They are both necessary conditions for truth. Truth both works and is consistent.TermsMake sure you can explain the following terms and concepts:- Correspondence Theory - A proposition is true if it corresponds to reality- Coherence Theory - States that a proposition is true if it coheres with other true propositions.- Pragmatic Theory - States that a proposition is true if it is successful in explaining phenomena or in achieving desired consequences.- Anti-Realism - States that all truth