How do you know that something is true?

Question

In order to have knowledge you must believe something is true. How do we come to that belief? Also how can that belief be destroyed?

Answer 1

We all have an individual interpretation of 'truth' which is based on our life experience and learning. For much of our lives we have 'facts' and 'truths' thrust upon us by those around us (family, friends, teachers) and the things which influence us (TV, music, media etc). In our efforts to maintain our interpretation of the world as TRUTH we will seek to prove that we are correct in our world view. This is truth driven by ego.
Such truth leads to becoming narrow minded, bigoted and staid. By clinging to such idealistic truth we think ourselves strong. Very few people will allow themselves to have their belief of truth destroyed.
You need not believe something to be true to gain knowledge and wisdom, you will only ever be able to view any new knowledge in the context of your developed 'truth' until you discover the ultimate truth of interconnectedness and impermanence.

Answer 2

Good question, no doubt. One which you could discuss for a long time.

Here's some of what I believe.

First of all, we all see the world differently, due to the things that make us uniquely us: our upbringing, our experiences, our education, our particular mental/emotional health. It is a matter of perception -- we experience the world through the particular filters which our development has created.

Second of all, learning from indirect sources is fraught with the same "problem": the person doing the reporting is viewing events through their own personal filters.

I honestly don't believe there is anyone who can be truly objective, even though there are institutions that we hope are objective in their accounting of events which they are privy to and publish for our consumption.

Because of this, there is some validity in the assertion that each of us creates his/her own world. And that is why when testimony is taken from witnesses of a particular event, the stories are not identical.

I believe in objective reality, but it seems that we humans can only experience the subjective variety. It has to pass through our minds' perceiving apparatus in order for us to "know" it.

We can have consensus about events and principles, but even that does not necessarily mean the knowledge consented to is objectively true.

Knowledge can never however be destroyed (except perhaps by amnesia or brain damage) once it is established in our brains. There is no way to destroy, or "un-know" it.

Answer 3

I think its mostly because of influence...people all around us influence us and tell us whats right and wrong, what to believe in, who you should be....People tell us whats true and whats not....our parents and friends are still doing that, but atleast now, we decide on things because WE think its right....like our faith.......to come to the belief that somethings true you probably have been told that before, or you have a feeling....Again, how can the belief that somethings true be destroyed, probably by proof or by pressure and influence by people you know

Answer 4

I can only speak for me. First it seems something could be true. Some things, because of prior knowledge, even if slight, I investigate further... Others, I just believe to be true until something happens to cause me to question if or not it is so. Then I research. Based on what I find, it reinfoces truth for me, or not. What I find may or may not be true for another. It is possile we might see things differently.

Most time, I do not feel it is my place to convince another my view is the only correct one.

Answer 5

Sometimes do your homework. Sometimes in someones body language (whole lot on that and handwriting analysis..) Depends on situation and the belief. More specific question can give a little more specific answer.
PS nothing wrong with hippies thank you very much lol:-)

Answer 6

I see it or experience it, so it is the truth that I have come to believe.it is destroyed when, I reevaluate and redefine my beliefs,or see something that makes me question the validity my beliefs,as reality is subjective and a dynamic process,that depends on perceptions,sensations, objective and emotional thinking and reponses. also my reality is different from your reality, we all live in a different world, on the same planet

Answer 7

By various reasoning techniques, (even fuzzy logic) or by scientific examination and testing.

But if you are to get Metaphysical you must have a starting point eg I think therefore i am.

In the real world as we know, if science 'proves' it to be true for your needs then it can be said to be TRUE

Answer 8

man hard one but i think u have 2 ask more than one u know don't wait for tha answer to come 2 u u go & look for it....{two points} kidding no when u feel in ur heart that ur belief is true just belive it

Answer 9

u can normally tell something is true when u know the answer to be false. for example if u know that you have been left handed all your life and u say 'i am right handed' u already know your not so this is false and therefore you must be left handed which is ture... this makes sense to me probably not to anyone else on the planet!

Answer 10

Intuitive Wisdom......read the teachings of the Buddha