Wednesday, August 17

Double Truth

It is true that seemingly valid religious truth arising from revelation might differ from a philosophical perspective based on reason (as separate sources of knowledge)  to provide contradictory truths without detriment to either.

In other words the question is:  Are some truths a matter of reason (logical analysis and proof) and others of faith? Or should all truths be subject to the same standard. 

Here is my response and your answer would be most welcome.

Truth as seen in different contexts.  

I think it is possible for two opposing views to be true, given they are seen or talked about in different contexts.  In other words there is a relativity to truth depending on the context.

Perceptions better served by a pragmatic truth concept  

In relation to their being some truths more dependent on analysis and proof versus one taken on faith  I think that’s more a matter of one’s perception, as the dividing line between the secular versus spiritual (faith) is blurred. 

Rather, my suggestion is to revert to a pragmatic truth based on the premise a truthful proposition is one whose outcomes can be demonstrated to be so (true ) over time within a designated context.

The problem with the idea of a double truth proposition

So that, as I see it, the problem with that idea of a double truth  (which proposes we separate scientific truth from revelation as in faith ) is to ignore Truths relativity. That is a truth with a small t if you will and not a large T for absolute truth that doesn’t exist. Of course there are many things we are entitled to take for granted that are true because we have faith in the underlying science that has proven them to be true to become integral to our existence.. 

Provisional Truths apply universally 

The scientist holds true to provisional truths, trusting in the works of those whom he has come to rely upon until such time as those propositions can be proven to be contrary to previously held beliefs. In a religious sense one might argue its faith based premise involves a leap of faith unconnected to rational thinking but it is nevertheless only sustained if outcomes can be demonstrated to be true over periods of time. Similarly such beliefs are only provisional as our beliefs will change over our lifetime or at the very least into the next generation, just as they do for society, to rediscover or renounce what is believed to be the truth by each subsequent generation.

All truths must be subject to the same standard.  

The same rigors of assessment need to apply equally to both although the scientific method is obviously more tangibly evident as in utilizing a rigorous analysis reliant on observation to provisionally verify a theory. But Science and the scientific methodology to ascertain the truth and religion in its quest for the truth are the tools for philosophers and not their masters. 

2 comments:

Tom said...

Hi Lindsay,

We are in the middle of preparations for a daughter visit, so am unable to give this subject all that it deserves (positively).

In order to determine absolute Truth one would need to know ALL the data relating to the subject about which absolute Truth refers. Clearly this is impossible. That does not mean absolute Truth does not exist: only that we are unable to determine what it is.

As a retired scientist working in the empirical field of science, I was never concerned with what was truth, only what would predictably work within a given set of parameter values. If things worked, one might say the derived mathematics of the system represented truth. But why would one? Newton's laws of motion are an extremely good fit for travel around the Solar system, regardless of Einstein's later work. And even his "truths" may not stand the test of time.

Moving on to a more psycho-spiritual subject, can one say that the 12 Step Program of AA and others is true? I dunno. What one can say is that it works. Can one say that all the works of Jesus recounted in the New Testament are true? Many would say that they are, and I would agree but IF, AND ONLY IF, the context is defined. (I don't believe in miracles!)

I wonder, therefore, whether it is even sensible to talk about truth as if one can define it. Maybe a more enlightening approach might be that, "Truth is not this, not that." Re-reading your post I think that I would agree with much that you say, but not your final statement.

Anyway, must dash.

Lindsay Byrnes said...

Many thanks Tom for your usual thoughtful comment which will be shared with the group when next we meet. In relation to my last statement, on reflection, maybe I could say reason /intellect /intuition etc (the tools)correctly applied don’t override the responsibility to universally determine a truth. In other words avoid the risk of applying results using tools within a system that give rise to inappropriately applying that truth outside of that system. Best wishes