Truth is subjective and depends on our perspective and interpretation. Fact is objective and does not rely on perspective nor interpretation.
Example: I have a friend who has the ugliest couch I have ever seen. It's hideous. It has too many cushions and is uncomfortable to sit on. That is my version of the truth. She however tells everyone about the great deal she got on the most gorgeous couch she has ever seen. She loves all the cushions and that it is easy to clean. That is her truth. Neither of these opinions are fact. The fact is that it is a couch with 6 cushions and it is covered in vinyl.
Our perception and interpretation is the key and the reason for the difference in "truth". Of course this applies to any and all aspects of our lives including religion. A good deal of the time "truth" is nothing more than a glorified opinion. So which is more important to you?
2006-09-15 17:57:25 · 26 answers · asked by Medusa 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well for those of you who think you know me....I happen to believe that both are important for a fulfilling life. Many times our personal "truths" will overcome facts and odds. Often being presented with facts will change our personal truths. Thanx for all the interesting answers.
2006-09-15 18:21:15 · update #1
There is so much ambiguity in the english language! It is especially troubling for worlds like "truth" and "theory" that have more precise meanings in mathematics and science but much less precise meanings in common usage.
Let me be pedantic for a moment. Consider these statements:
1) More than 4 cushions on couch is too many.
2) My friend's couch has 6 cushions.
3) My friend's couch has too many cushions.
This is a logical syllogism. The conclusion is true of both the premises are true. If your friend's couch has 6 cushions, then any can verify that statement as being obectively true. There is nothing subjective about the statement. It is therefore something we can all agree is a fact. But the first statement is subjective. It is your opinion, and you may feel strongly that it is 'true', but it is only true for you. Your friend might instead think "Less than 6 cushions is too few."
Since this is the R&S category, I'll end by pointing out that Bible believers often assert that they "know The Truth." But the phrase "The Truth" has no meaning by itself, even though many theists seem to think that it does.
2006-09-16 08:52:29 · answer #1 · answered by Jim L 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A persons' felt experience is more important than 'fact' because people behave only according to their own truth, not the truth of others or some universal fact.
A belief gives a person their perspective, regardless of whether they are 'wrong' or not.
Individual truth is more important than fact.
The 'facts' don't account for much if nobody believes in them.
2006-09-15 18:02:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
journey,Neither you or your friend spoke the truth.you spoke your subjective opinion, FACT IS TRUTH MANIFESTED. Fact is she purchased a "vinyl" couch with 6 cushions. One should always try to speak the truth. of course you are right,sometimes we only believe we speak the truth.
2006-09-15 18:11:26 · answer #3 · answered by Weldon 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're mistaken in claiming that truth is subjective. What you're describing as truth has nothing to do with truth; it is simply opinion. Truth and fact are both objective and are synonymous.
2006-09-15 18:06:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like you, I would prefer to know the facts. Problem is though we see the universe through OUR OWN eyes. OUR brain processes that and comes to a personal conclusion.
When I convince enough people who are respected as knowledgeable people, then that point of view becomes accepted as a fact. But is it?
2006-09-15 18:05:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fact's every time.
So much of what's wrong in this world is the result of people acting on things they believe to be 'true', which aren't. For example "I know I can drive drunk without hurting people", "He'll stop beating me, because I know he loves me", "I'll kick/beat/string up this (minority of choice), because I know god's want's me to", and of course the ever popular "I'm going to start a war, because I believe there are weapons of mass destruction."
Hmmm. Think I'll stick to facts.
2006-09-15 18:11:20 · answer #6 · answered by PtolemyJones 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fact (using your example) is that she truthfully believes her couch is beautiful. In her world that is a truth and a fact. My truth comes from God and that is a fact.
2006-09-15 18:03:32 · answer #7 · answered by Missy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Fact, but the fact is truth and fact both depend on perspective.
2006-09-15 18:02:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Truth, is that which is profitable for man to believe...
Fact, is truth that man has profited from by proving...
Six in one hand
half dozen in the other
2006-09-15 18:14:07 · answer #9 · answered by O.Sherry N 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
But something that is fact is truth... I would prefer true facts.
2006-09-15 18:00:54 · answer #10 · answered by Indigo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋