Exploring Truth

Finding simplicity in the meaning of truth is as likely as finding any traces of natural ingredients in cola. We like to think its there, but we know it isn't. So let us begin at the origin of the word 'truth'. As defined in Old English, Middle English and Old High German, 'truth' is simply an adjective of 'true'. 'True' made its journey to Old English from the Old Norse word 'tru' which meant "faith, word of honor: religious faith, belief". Similarly, the so-called archaic English 'troth' referred to "loyalty, honesty, good faith". Thus entities such as the Old English Dictionary have taken it upon themselves to define 'truth' in terms of: faith (not necessarily spiritual faith), fidelity, loyalty, sincerity, veracity, and the agreement of fact with reality. Further to this explanation is the presumption of some cultures to add elements of affirmation and trust to the meaning of 'truth'.

Just as there are dozens of theories on the origin of language, so are there a multitude of theories on truth. The oldest and most widely accepted theories are included in a group of five substantive theories. Very briefly, they are the correspondence theory, coherence theory, constructivist theory, consensus theory and the pragmatic theory. The first, correspondence theory, simply affirms the link between true beliefs and the actual state of affairs. The flaw here is that perception of the actual state of affairs is highly variable. Coherence theory is far more complex. It defines truth as being rooted in a whole collection of systems of meanings or beliefs. In other words, the existence of truth under the coherence theory is based upon the validity of all elements within the whole system.

Constructivist theory, or social constructivism, says truth is manufactured through social, historical and cultural elements. It also says those elements are human-made and therefore not genuine. One of the first philosophers to make these claims, Giambattista Vico, explained his theory very succinctly when he said "truth itself is constructed". Consensus theory on the other hand, states that truth is merely whatever the majority has agreed upon. Finally, pragmatic theory relies upon two major characteristics in defining truth. They are: clarifying truth relies upon a maxim of logic, and any facts used to verify a truth are the result of an inquiry (hence no assumptions are made useful in the process of defining a truth). In addition to substantive theories there are minimalist theories on truth. In simple terms, the minimalist theories disagree with the idea that the existence of truth is reliant only on reality or content.

For as long as there have been philosophers debating the shape of the earth, there have been arguments on the conception of truth. We are not here to debate that topic, yet exploring truth in the 21st century requires acknowledgement of its crucial role in life. From the moment of awareness as an infant, our own sense of what is real begins to take shape. As life progresses that sense of our own truth shifts and evolves. Our environment plays a major role, as do the people surrounding us. During our childhood education we learn what society sets as the truth, and often it differs from other areas of our life. Moving from adolescence to young adulthood, then into the post-secondary years and beyond, our sense of truth has solidified to some extent.

Look back at all those theories and definitions of truth discussed above. For thousands of years many very learned people have argued over the technicalities of truth. Yet right now, right here, at this point in life, does it really matter? Do any of those philosophical propositions really have any sort of impact on your personal truth at this very moment? No. In fact, the reality is through our experiences and education we create our own individual truth, no matter how flawed it may be. Identify and take ownership of your personal truth. Explore the origins of its elements, with honesty and humility. For example, if you believe cola is not harmful to your body, investigate how and why you came to that truth.

Exploring truth is a very personal pursuit. Do not presume to judge others and their sense of truth, just as no one has the right to offer an opinion on yours. Finally, trust your personal truth. Trust that it is a statement of your life's journey, a mark of who you really are deep inside. Build on your truth, feed it, educate it, and never let it stagnate.