Custom Writing Service- Introduction to Epistemology
In this lesson, we turn our attention to the issue of truth and ask two basic questions: what is truth? and how do we find it? We discuss whether or not anything is actually true and then look at traditional ways that truth has been defined: correspondence, coherentism, and pragmatism. We will examine each of these theories and how each relates to truth.
View and take notes of the presentation, “What is Truth?”
- Know the strengths and criticisms of the 3 different truth theories.
- Be able to answer the criticisms of the correspondence theory.
Read Chapter 4 of How Do We Know? An Introduction to Epistemology. As you do, consider the following questions and points:
- Why do postmodern anti-realists reject truth claims?
- What is wrong with the postmodern rejection of truth claims?
- What are the 4 reasons Dew and Foreman give in favor of making truth claims?
- What are the differences between a definition of truth and a test for truth?
- Which theory of truth has enjoyed the most historical support?
- What is a coherentist theory of truth?
- What is wrong with coherentism as a theory of truth?
- What epistemic value does coherentism have in helping us identify truth?
- What is a pragmatist theory of truth?
- What is the primary concern for pragmatists?
- What kinds of epistemological problems does pragmatism face?
- What does the correspondence theory of truth say about the nature of truth?
- Why is a correspondence theory of truth thought to be pretheoretic?
- How is a correspondence theory of truth supported by biblical Christianity?
- How does the correspondence theory of truth relate to modern science?
- What value, if any, do coherentism and pragmatism have as tests for truth?
