What Is Truth - Aristotle

Truth

        What is truth? Most people ponder that question at some time in their lives, especially at critical points when they are struggling with the question of the meaning of life. After all, the desire for meaning is a basic human need, and there can be no meaning without some ultimate truth. Truth, Aristotle claims, is to "say of what is that it is, and of what is not that it is not" . However, in the modern world, "truth" is a word which can be widely interpreted, and has many different meanings in today's context; however, the traditional interpretation of what truth is, "conformity to fact or actuality" , is still very widely utilized. Like knowledge, truth is a concept that is surprisingly difficult to define. We seem to rely on it everyday and it is very close to us. It is also considered on of the central subjects in philosophy, as well as on of the largest. Truth can involves theories about how the world and provides meaning in everyday life. Truth often dictates our lives and our views. The desire for truth can appear in scientific theories, religion, and culture. People use these two forms of theory to answer there most curious questions that go beyond evidential fact. Whether scientific truth, religious truth, or cultural truth is more accurate, has caused many controversy and debate throughout time and as has escalated with the increase of human knowledge.

        Truth can be used in different contexts and people often view the term differently. As you think you have it pinned down, some case or counterexample immediately shows deficiencies. Some people view truth as a quality or state of being true. In a more modern context, some people think truth is more about “the self.” Whether its a concept about the world or about a personal characteristic truth is something that we as humans are driven to uncover.

        Throughout my life truth has been quite present. Starting from a young age not only have I been taught to be a truthful person, but also I have been taught about the world. First I was taught to always be honest and to never lie. My parents taught me that presenting facts truthfully is always the right thing to do and develops a good sense of character. Being truthful in all aspects and situations life brings will in turn make you a good person and respected by others. The as a child one may ask “why is it important to be truthful and to do the right thing?” This is where religion often comes in to play. Humans often answer this question with religious reasoning. For example, a significant force beyond our capacity of knowledge is watching, often referred to as “god,” and that truthfulness with bring upon reward and that this reward may not be granted in our current life, but surly after. Religious truth gives reason for humans to behave well and instill social order.

        Overtime, religious truth is then challenged with scientific truth. The growth of technology and knowledge throughout the centuries has caused controversy about the world’s truth and our existence. Scientific discoveries ofter counteract with religious reasoning. For example, the bible claims the earth was formed in 7 days by the power of God. On the other hand, through their research and findings, scientists argue that it took millions of years for the earth to form. As a result of this, people of religious values then reason that this scientific “big bang theory” was caused by the will and power of God. As we continue to evolve and as new discoveries are made religion is challenged to instill what the truth is in human beliefs.

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