FOUR KINDS OF TRUTH
The four classical theories of truth differ from each other in their fundamental approaches to defining and determining truth:

Correspondence Theory of Truth: Provides a foundation for logical reasoning.

• • • Truth is determined by how well a statement corresponds to observable reality
    • A belief or statement is true if it accurately reflects the facts or state of affairs in the world
    • This theory emphasizes the relationship between beliefs and external reality
    • Looks outward to the world for validity.
    • Emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence in verifying claims. Scientists design experiments and observations to test whether their hypotheses accurately correspond to observable reality
    • This approach forms the foundation of the scientific method, where theories must be supported by empirical data.
    • Promotes objectivity in scientific research. Scientists strive to minimize personal biases and subjective interpretations, focusing instead on facts that can be independently verified.
    • Allows for the evolution of scientific truth as new discoveries are made. For example, the statement “There are nine planets in the solar system” was once considered true but ceased to be accurate when Pluto was reclassified
    • Supports the concept of falsifiability in science. Hypotheses are formulated in ways that allow them to be tested against observable facts. If a statement does not correspond to reality, it can be falsified, leading to refinement or rejection of theories
    • Demonstrates how scientific truth can change as understanding of reality improves.
    • Premises in scientific arguments are expected to be grounded in verifiable truths, ensuring that conclusions are based on factual evidence
    • Shapes the rigorous, evidence-based approach that characterizes modern scientific inquiry.

 

Coherence Theory of Truth:  Provides an alternative perspective on truth, emphasizing the interconnectedness of beliefs within a system rather than their correspondence to external facts.

• • • Truth is defined by how well a statement logically coheres with other justified beliefs or a larger system of beliefs without contradictions
    • A proposition is true if it fits consistently within a set of other propositions or axioms
    • This theory focuses on internal consistency rather than correspondence to external reality
    • Relies on group agreement for validity
    • Truth is defined as coherence within a system of beliefs
    • Consistency: Beliefs must not contradict each other
    • Connectedness: Beliefs must be logically related to one another
    • A belief is true if adding it to an existing coherent system of beliefs results in a system that is at least as coherent as before
    • Truth is a property of whole systems of propositions, not individual statements in isolation
    • Contrast with Correspondence Theory:
      • • Coherence theory focuses on internal consistency, while correspondence theory emphasizes matching external reality
        • Truth in coherence theory is subjective and system-dependent, rather than objective
    • Limitations of Coherence Theory
      • • A coherent set of beliefs can be internally consistent but still false
        • The theory struggles to account for the relationship between beliefs and external reality
    • Applications

• • • • • Often applied in idealist philosophies and some approaches to scientific theory-building
        • Useful in describing how people process and integrate new information‎

Consensus Theory of Truth: A framework for understanding how societies and groups establish shared beliefs, but it faces challenges in addressing objective reality and individual dissent.

• • • Truth is determined by what everyone agrees to be true
    • This theory emphasizes the role of collective agreement in establishing truth
    • It is often applied when trusting expert consensus on a subject
    • Is established through agreement among a specified group of people.
    • Majority agreement doesn’t guarantee factual accuracy
    • Susceptible to coercion or manipulation of group opinion
    • May lead to cultural relativism in truth claims
    • Doesn’t account for minority views that may be correct
    • What is considered true is what the majority accepts or might come to accept
    • Truth is socially constructed rather than objectively determined
    • Emphasizes collective agreement over individual perception or logic
    • Can vary based on the group involved and the context

• • • Often applied in social and political contexts
    • Used in some approaches to scientific consensus and peer review
    • Relevant in understanding cultural and societal norms
    • Some versions require universal consent
    • Others specify the proportion of population or time period needed for consensus
    • Ideal speech situation: a concept where consensus is reached through rational discourse free from coercion
    • Prioritizes practical outcomes over abstract notions of truth.
      

Pragmatic Theory of Truth

• • • Truth is defined by what is useful, beneficial, or practical for an individual or society
    • This theory is less concerned with absolute truth and more focused on practical applications and results
    • It allows for personal or situational truths based on what works in practice.
    • It emphasizes flexibility and adaptability, acknowledging that truth can change with new experiences

Religious Truth

• • • Sacred texts: Religious scriptures serve as primary sources of truth claims. These texts are often considered divinely inspired or revealed.
    • Religious authority: Leaders, councils, or institutions within a religion interpret sacred texts and establish doctrines.
    • Tradition: Long-standing beliefs and practices passed down through generations contribute to religious truth claims.
    • Personal experience: Many religions value individual spiritual experiences as a source of truth.
    • Revelation: Some religions believe in direct communication from the divine as a source of truth.
    • Coherence: Religious truths are often evaluated based on their internal consistency within the belief system.
    • Correspondence: Some religious claims are tested against observable reality, especially in traditions that value the physical world.
    • Faith: Many religions emphasize the role of faith in accepting certain truths that are be empirically verifiable.
    • Religious truth claims that are not subject to scientific verification.

 

Most of the lies Christian Nationalists believe originated with religious leaders who interpreted the bible literally instead of symbolically.  Therefore, the only way for them to stop believing lies is if they are exposed to the truth.

Telling the truth about the bible will be hard for people who are not themselves convinced of the truth. It would be good, therefore, for people who want to tell the truth to Christian Nationalists to first be convinced about the truth in their own hearts and minds before they attempt to share the truth with others.

A good place to begin is to study the following links:

God’s Commands About Doing Justice God’s Commands About How to Relate to Him and to One Another  Attitudes and Behaviors in Religion and Politics  Do Not Seek Revenge Against Your Enemies  Judge Character When Choosing Friends, Making Alliances and Voting  Truthfulness, Honesty and Integrity  Practical, Doable Ways to Love Your Neighbors  How to Relate to the Poor  Prohibitions Against Giving and Receiving Bribes  Do Not Judge with Favoritism and Partiality  Right Attitudes Toward Government and People in Authority  Forgive Your Enemies  How to Relate to Strangers, Aliens and Enemies

Bible History How to Hear God’s Spoken Voice Literal or Symbolic Interpretation Part 1 of 3 Literal or Symbolic Interpretation Part 2 of 3 Literal or Symbolic Interpretation Part 3 of 3 The Law First and Second Commandments Third Commandment Fourth Commandment Sabbath, Fasting and Rest 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Commandments Sixth Commandment: Murder