2007-03-04 09:44:16 · 18 answers · asked by mince42 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Yes and no. Most of our day to day truths are based on individual observations, and are largely subjective, which is why we make such lousy witnesses, we can convince ourselves that we have really seen x, but y is , in fact, the case.
Then there are collective truths which are things we agree on, generally. This is where consensus comes in, we might not all see the same red rose, but we agree that a red rose is what it is.
Our biggest problems come when we are confronted with data for which we have no reference points in our memory banks, as in the example of the natives of Quisqueya ( Hispaniola ). When Chris Colon arrived on his second voyage of 'discovery' ( read plunder ), the people literally couldn't 'see' his ships, they had never experienced any vessel larger than a canoe, and therefore had no mental framework for a Spanish Galleon, result ? They didn't see them until gradually the effects of their presence broke through, probably something like ourselves with UFO's today, we know they exist, but we have no frame of reference to describe what, exactly, they are, thus most of us don't 'see' them.
Are such things true ? For those that can see them, of course, form the rest it will have to wait until the consensus agrees on a perceptional framework.
2007-03-04 14:44:24 · answer #1 · answered by cosmicvoyager 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Only time answers that question! A truth needs to be accepted ( through consensus) before it is believed, but only time ever proves if that 'truth' was right. Yet time is infinite ( hopefully) and therefore every accepted truth may not be truth at all lol! Yet truth is a matter of consensus because (rightly or wrongly) society relies on believed 'truth' to prevent disorder. My view anyway!!!!!
2007-03-05 09:33:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Truth is truth!
Something is true, because it is true, not because you or I say it's true.
Remember the question: If a tree falls in the forest and no one is their to hear it fall, does it still make a noise?
It's the same principle! Truth has nothing to do with a consensus! It is its own reality.
I say: The sun is shining.
You may argue with me, but does it keep the sun from shining?
Even if I agree with you and we have a consensus, did someone inform the sun?
2007-03-04 12:00:39 · answer #3 · answered by Curious 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Relative truth is a matter of consensus, and by nature can change with opinion.
Objective truth by nature never changes and therefore must be based in something that never changes which excludes consensus and opinion.
2007-03-04 10:16:27 · answer #4 · answered by 10 Point Shoe-In 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Truth is what is the case. Everyone may disagree on whether or not this animal X is to be called a bird or not, but that does not change what it is. Truth is what is real. What we disagree on may be a matter of perception or definition, but our naming of something does not change the thing intself. It will still be the same animal if called by any other name or classified with any other species.
Meaning and value is a matter of consensus, though. While our disagreement does not change the animal X in itself, it does change how we interact with it. Some may say that animal X is bad because it crops; while others may say that it is good because it keeps the bugs down. This meaning and value is conventional but does not change the truth of something.
It is important not to get truth confused with meaning. This object in my hand is what it is, but it may mean something different to me than to someone else.
2007-03-04 09:51:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nice question.
My first response would have been- no, it is not as it is an absolute. Truth as seen in scientific terms...
But Truth is greater than that- it is also perception of an individual. We all have a Truth and each is as valid as the next person's.
:-)
Consensus might dictate a certain truth (such as a cultural or society's belief system) but I believe that Truth is higher than generalised opinion and agreement. Afterall not all generally held truths are Truthful... Right?
2007-03-04 09:57:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not necessarily. Truth is based on fact; consensus is based on mutually held opinion. The truth may be understood by only one person and still be the truth. Consensus can involve large numbers of people and be either true or untrue.
2007-03-04 09:55:05 · answer #7 · answered by Holly R 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Peoples perception of truth which we base our life around is a matter of consensus.
2007-03-04 17:10:52 · answer #8 · answered by justin 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. Consensus would be that if you were a biologic male, but everyone else said you were female. Would that be the truth? No, it would be consensus. Truth is universal. What is, is.
2007-03-04 10:05:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No because then truth would change every day!
As long as you are in consensus with what you believe to be true, that is good enough.
2007-03-04 10:13:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋