before now. Time continues and we discover correlations. This is likened to the
things previously believed to be non-existent or transformation of a hypothesis into theory
deemed to be untrue. So, what is truth? By using the scientific method accepted by
definition truth is conformity to fact or psychologists. Next, reality is divided into two
actuality. Is that to say that truth conforms to forms: the sensible and the intelligible. In other
facts? I think that might be a human words, the sensible world changes and has a
misconception. It seems as though facts sense of order to it; seasons, growth, etc. The
conform to truth since facts change with the intelligible world is unchanging. What is true
passage of time. Truth is and always will be. will be true for eternity since it transcends
Nothing will ever change it. What will change space and time. Plato exemplified this notion in
are our perceptions, understandings, and his theory of forms labeled Platonic Form.
evidence brought forth by the ever inconclusive These forms are “independently existing, no
quest for the truth. Plato says truth relies on spatial, no temporal “somethings” (“kinds,”
knowledge. According to Descartes anything “types,” or “sorts”) that cannot be known
that can be doubted cannot be true. James through the senses. Knowledge is always about
countered that truth is always personal. These Forms”. Plato’s forms are ideas in the mind, yet
men hold a few of the many beliefs that form are free from the mind. These forms are real
the structure of the universe. Some believe and pure in actuality. They do not rely on
objectivity equals untruth. Objectivity stifles the changing times and opinions. Meaning, they are
oneness of the individual. Others proclaim truth real, but are not physical. Examples of these
be subjective. It is manipulated by our ideas of forms include: virtues like goodness;
relativity. What the real truth is, we shall never mathematical relations like triangularity: the
know. There are no forms of truth that can be concept of having three sides; and sensible
agreed on by everyone. Hence, the truth properties, like, beauty. He claims there is only
remains on the tips of our tongues and fingers; one form of a particular thing. There are many
well within reach. It will always rest in the palm things, though, that can share the qualities of
of our hand, only to slip through our fingers as that form. Ex: One owns a red car. Due to sun
we close our iron clad fists, destroying a large exposure the color fades over time becoming
part of that truth. less red. Meaning, it is still a form of red, yet
due to fading its shared properties in the form
Plato’s position was that truth is relative to red decreases. However, this does not change
knowledge and that knowledge must be the original form of the color red. So, we are to
determined first. Meaning, one must first come believe that the truth does not exist solely due
up with a way to differentiate opinion from to our belief in it. Truth exists independently of
genuine knowledge. Knowledge is defined as perception and perspective.
true belief. Also, knowledge is categorized as
being theoretical or practical. Practical Descartes on the other hand felt that truth, in
knowledge consists of those things that we general, is what we conceive of with clarity and
need the skills to do, such as, play an distinction. In reality then, only mathematical
instrument, use appliances, or make a cake. deduction is reliable in discovering the truth.
Theoretical knowledge is that which has to be Descartes was a rationalist. He rejected
proven through evaluation of systematic knowing anything that was not clear and
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