What does it mean to be 'justified' and what does it mean to be 'true?

Question

Can anyone give me some analysis on these key concepts from a philosophical viewpoint.

Answer 1

"Justified" and "true" are related concepts, to be sure. However, there are differences. This does not apply only to morality, as one respondent suggested. In the area of epistemology (the study of the nature of knowledge), the "old" definition was that knowledge is a "justified true belief." Since each term in this definition is important, the fact that this definition includes both "justified" and "true" indicates that there is a difference.

In a general sense (which is all we can give without a specific context), "true" means that the action/idea corresponds with reality. The statement, "The earth is basically spherical," is true--because the earth IS basically spherical. The statement, "I am a male human being," is true--because I AM a male human being.

For something to be "justified," however, does not relate to reality in that way. Instead, it means that a person has a good reason for believing as they do. Suppose that Person A and Person B had an argument last week. Person A may believe that Person B is still mad at her, because she (A) said some very hurtful things in the course of the argument. For this reason, we might say that A is justified in her belief that B is still angry with her. But we can say this without knowing whether B is, in fact angry. The question of justification is simply a matter of whether there are good reasons to believe that way.

In the area of morality, the same is true. Suppose we were to accept Kant's idea that lying is always wrong. If he is right, then that is a moral truth. However, there are some situations where we often feel that a person would be justified in telling a lie. In that instance, lying would be wrong--it would be against moral truth--but it would be justified.

So justification is much looser than truth. Justification has to do with good reasons, which means that there will be individual and societal differences as to what is considered "sufficient" reason. Truth, on the other hand, means that the belief REALLY IS true--that it corresponds with reality.

Answer 2

To be justified means to be made right with God in spite of the fact that one does not deserve it. So although one is guilty of sin, by way of believing in Christ, ones sins are forgiven.

There is only one Truth, and that is Jesus Christ the Son of God.

Father Abad Perez
http://www.alphaandomegadiocese.org/

Answer 3

Justified-means that the proof behind the truth is reasonable and people generally agree with it.

True-a statement that is not false.

Answer 4

TRUTH AND JUSTIFICATION ARE SIMILAR BUT NOT SAME.
TRUTH IS FACT AND HAS NOTHING TO D OWITH ETHICS
JUSTIFICATION HAS AN EHTICAL SUPPORT.
EG: THERE ARE BAD PEOPLE IN WORLD WHO TROUBLE OTHERS: THIS IS TRUTH , BUT IT IS NOT JUSTIFIED

Answer 5

I would like to tell you , but i have been sworn to secrecy.

Answer 6

is the same