Concepts of Truth

Assignment 2: Concepts of Truth

The truth is what is currently known to a person. Though later truth may deviate from what was initially known as truth, does not make it false at that particular time. Through time, discoveries of new facts can change what truth was initially perceived to be. An example of this is Saturn’s rings and what the actual make up of them is. In 1972, Scientists observations led them to believe that Saturn’s rings were made of dust or gases.

However, as time and technology evolved, new discoveries were found which led truth to be that Saturn’s rings where actually made of solid matter. The truth indeed changed through new discoveries. Therefore, students prior to 1972 that believed the rings were made of solid, where indeed correct and should be given credit retroactively. That is not to say that those who believed that the rings were made of gases or dust are wrong, during that time, and should lose their credit. The observations where correct for the limited amount of scientific investigation they were able to perform during that time.

Ultimately, so long as a truth is supported with an explanation of the perceived correct answer, the answer is correct (at that particular time.) As new concepts, and innovations create new observations to support “truth,” what is considered to be a final truth is no longer the case and changes. “Truth is apprehended by discovery, a process that favors the curious and the diligent. Truth does not depend on our acknowledgment of it, nor is it in any way altered by our ignorance (Ruggiero, V. (02/11) Beyond Feelings: A Guide to Critical Thinking).” Truth brings forth the valuable lesson about the need for care in investigating until there is sufficient evidence to say the truth is actually known.

References:

Ruggiero, V. (02/2011). Beyond Feelings: A Guide to Critical Thinking, 9th Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf Online]. Retrieved from https://digitalbookshelf.argosy.edu/#/books/1260050939