Forum Post: Truth Truth Truth Truth - How to and Why?
Posted 13 years ago on Oct. 18, 2011, 3:47 p.m. EST by Puzzlin
(2898)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
Identifying what is true is often difficult, but it's possible if people learn the difference between fact and opinion.
So how can someone differentiate between opinion and fact? Although it seems this would be simple, it isn’t, mainly because politicians, church leaders, writers, newscasters, talk-radio personalities, and even parents and friends often appear to be stating a fact when they are instead stating an opinion, which is a personal belief that is emotional, biased, and often totally unfounded.
Some people argue that one can know something is true and, therefore, not an opinion, if it is supported by credible reasons and evidence. The problem with this argument, according to Joseph Campbell, noted philosopher and author of such esteemed works as The Power of Myth, is that each truth is relevant in its own time.
What Campbell means is that what is accepted as fact and, therefore, truth can change because the reasons and evidence offered in support of that fact have changed, and when reasons and evidence cease to be valid, they lose their credibility. As a result, what was once true becomes untrue.
I welcome all postings to dive into this very important subject. As we explore ideas here in this forum I would suggest that it is of utmost importance that each one of us seek the truth honestly and with respect for others opinions.
Too bad the public schools teach "facts" but not the "Critical Thinking" necessary to navigate these "facts"
How true, I think people are swayed more by their own narrative of how they think things are, instead of basing their beliefs on solid bedrock, the real facts.
Well as you said facts are relative...So we are now participating in a messy process of reframing our reality...for our future generations...keep adding input people!
Knowing the truth, is'nt critical if you know someone you trust to find it for you. Knowledge is power, which pertains to our situation and what we don't know about the enemy we protest.
Knowledge is power, no doubt about it. It is particular knowledge we need dependent upon what it is we want to achieve.
In our representative form of government we trust our elected officials are keeping us informed with the truth since most of us can not fact check everything we hear. But, as technology increases, we can get better at it.
Just think if these political clowns suddenly had to utter the truth 24/7 or we will would toss them out of town in a flat second. We would start getting better representation and suddenly they would realize it's no longer lucrative to lie. The truth, most times, is what we need & want to solve our problems.
For example. I watch (and like) Sen. Bernie Sanders I-VT, he's for creating jobs by rebuilding the country's infrastructure, but I don't know any job seekers with construction skills, but I bet he does.:) Meanwhile down south: HWY 78 was a mess while it was upgraded, for months, in my county. It is interstate style 4 lane. Now they are at it again, tearing off all the pavement, repaired concrete and rebuilding it. Funding to help the economy? Maybe they'll get it right this third time. It doesn't help our cause to have wasteful job spending. In gist: It's hard to know who the enemy is also. They should wear black hats. :) (or leave a trail of Ben Franklins)
How do you know there's no job seekers with construction skills?
Did you take some scientific poll/survey or do you have one that you base your statement upon?
"I don't know any" I think infrastructure needs to have a high priority. As long as Hellaburton isn't getting all the contracts. There are other employers than construction, is my only point. Not facts.
We are entitled to our own opinions but not to our own facts. This where all of us should work harder. The reward for the hard work will be worth it. Most times when there's two sides to a situation, especially when the sides are exactly diametrically opposed, one side is right. We will know the right side by the Truth.