A cube is a three-dimensional object, it has six sides. However, we can only see three sides at a time. Now imagine that six random digits are written on each side of the cube. Without rotating or moving the cube, how would you go about finding out all six digits. Can you guess the 3 digits that you cannot see? Your friend, being in the same situation, can only see the same 3 digits as well. On the other hand, his guess is probably different from yours. But will you suggest that your guess is more correct than his?
Now to put things into perspective, imagine that our universe is the cube. Is our understanding of the world truth or bias? Knowledge or opinion?
2006-08-02 09:50:34 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
The three digits that we both see – THAT's the truth. Our guesses about the other three are, you're right, only opinions.
But suppose the numbers aren't random at all. Suppose they only seem random because our methodology is primitive. Suppose they obey some secret innate principle that it can be our toil and our joy, as humans, to discover?
That's a better analogy for the universe. In my opinion.
2006-08-02 11:18:55 · answer #1 · answered by Keither 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The truth we claim to know is about our present
reality. In this sense truth is not absolute
because reality changes. A simple example is
the geocentric theory of our solar system. It was believed to be true until someone was able to show that the earth rotates around the sun.
Now you talk about a guess being more correct.
Well, by writing more correct, you appear to
acknowledge that both guesses might be wrong even though they are 'leaning' toward truth in the present reality. Opinion is usually based on our interpretation of the current reality. Democritus thought all matter was made up of atoms. He stated this was the smallest unit of matter possible. Well, back in his day, all he could see was 1 side of the
cube. Today we see 2 or 3 sides of the cube so our interpretation changes. We have established there are smaller particles of matter than atoms. We don't rely on opinion, we rely on 'theory'. We have a theory of electricity that works pretty good. We have a theory of physics that works reasonably well. At any time, any of these theories can change by seeing more sides of the cube. When do the theories stop changing? The answer is that the theories stop changing when they appear to have stabilized or have become reliable.
So, to summarize: We don't claim we know truth and our theories are not based on opinion but our perception of the cube. There are subtle differences between opinion and perception. We perceive that our current theory of electricity is stable (by implication true) until some day it is shown that it was not such a hot 'guess' in your own words. Does this make sense?
2006-08-02 17:44:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer, as simple and as frustrating as it can be (I believe), Is perception. Because that's what you're really talking about. Look at yourself as the six-sided cube. Oddly enough you can still see only 3 sides of it (how you perceive yourself). Meanwhile your friend seeing the other 3 sides (his perception of you) is able to see things you can't. The thing that drives us (usually to the point of insanity) is the fact that we *know* there are 3 more sides (at all times) that we can't see. We know they have to have a number. The problem is that because we each perceive differently, it's hard to come to a like opinion. For the question 'Truth or Bias?' I'd say bias. But that's not a bad thing, just an inevitable thing. Bias comes from individual experiences which lead to our individual perceptions. Bias opinions are like raw materials, waiting to be sorted and put in their proper places to form a more accurately defined picture.
As to the question 'Knowledge or opinion?'
Here's the thing (again, in my opinion). I believe that opinion comes from knowledge, so in a way... They're one in the same. Opinions are construed as a way to *Understand* the world around the individual, but true understanding (of anything) is hard to acquire, and is usually either taught or stumbled upon. I think part of the problem about mass mis-perceptions is that most people do mistake knowledge for wisdom(or understanding).
I think we can claim to know the truth, but the way we get to it is the part that needs to be questioned most. Because the way we get to those truths is through opinions, based on perceptions of the collected individuals to form a more accurate picture of what's on the other 3 sides.
2006-08-02 17:06:33 · answer #3 · answered by Nismobug 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one knows the truth about any thing except the supreme being. For me that's God, for others it may be different, but the truth can hurt and I don't like pain so I'd rather be somewhat ignorant.
If i can't see the other sides of the cube then I don't know what's there and to assume that I do is more ignorant than saying that I don't know. At least I don't know leaves space to learn on your own with out it being crammed down your throat.
2006-08-02 17:01:34 · answer #4 · answered by duncanchild7 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
fact is tangible substantiated so it is truth. Opinion is heart felt emotional so cant be deemed right or factual Our vision of the world is based on our opinions which have been made from the information we have absorbed about it. It is our personal reality our truth. Knowledge gained, results in an opinion. So it is both knowledge and opinion and it is biased truth.
2006-08-04 00:02:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No because I have all the cubs and all the numbers that I can see all the numbers that I can see and I know which ones aren't there. Also when I test the other side and ask them to tell me but not directly(as to not sway my resolutes) The asker is what I thought was on the other side. But that is all I know and I know know one eals could do it any better, and what I can't see does affect me, so they don't exist. You can't have something with out nothing.
2006-08-02 18:15:23 · answer #6 · answered by Gumby G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very good question. I RARELY see such insightful questions on here like this one.
I do have an answer for you, though.
The truth is ALL of us face these same three sides and see the same three numbers.
Most of us are guessing what the three other numbers are, but SOME of us know these answers already.
How?
Because God sees all the numbers; in fact, he put them there himself.
So, he tells us through his servants that he calls and gives his power to act in his name here on earth to help us and guide us.
Because we must know all 6 numbers to be saved it is important to listen to this Prophet of God so that we can have these numbers ourselves. We can try to share all the numbers with our fellow men, but it's up to them to accept them or not by mere trust and faith and relying on the Spirit of God to know if we're telling the truth or not, just like I am doing right now to you.
I see all 6 numbers.... I attest to you that this is true.
2006-08-03 03:20:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
is your statement true? or is it just your opinion? there is a truth that is true even if nobody agrees that it is true. we may all say 2+2=5, but everyone's opinion is wrong. truth is not truth because we agree it is. it is truth because it cooresponds with reality.
2006-08-02 18:30:50 · answer #8 · answered by more than a hat rack 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because asre opinoin is based on truth
good question tough
2006-08-02 17:11:03 · answer #9 · answered by purplemegster 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe first opinion then it becomes knowledge as it proves itself. you must first ask, form theory then test it to see if it's correct then it becomes true knowledge.
2006-08-02 17:35:39 · answer #10 · answered by kimber g 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋