Defining Truth

Goals

1. Describe the concept of truth.

2. Apply this understanding of truth to assess statements and beliefs.

What?

Truth is a property of a statement that accurately reflects reality—whether external (objective facts) or internal (subjective experiences)—and can be supported by evidence, logic, or credible self-reporting.

Summary: A statement is true when it accurately reflects reality.

Examples

• The capital of Wyoming is Cheyenne. (objective truth)

• Chemistry is a worthwhile subject to learn. (subjective truth)

• The Earth is round. (objective truth)

• A scientist publishes findings with data that support the conclusions drawn. (objective truth)

• A person describes their emotions accurately. (subjective truth)

Analysis (Main Ideas)

Properties

A property is a characteristic or attribute of something. In this context, truth is a property of statements.

Reality

Reality refers to the state of things as they actually exist, independent of beliefs or opinions.

Objective Statements

An objective statement is one whose truth value is determined by evidence and logic—not personal feelings or preferences.

If an objective statement is true, it is true for everyone. If it is false, it is false for everyone.

Examples

1. The moon orbits the Earth.
2. A water molecule (H₂O) is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
3. The defendant committed the crime.

Subjective Statements

A subjective statement is one whose truth value depends on a person’s internal experience—such as preferences, values, or interpretations.

If true, it may be true for one person but not for all.

: Examples

1. Apple pie is the best pie.
2. Python is the best programming language.
3. The Bahamas are the best Caribbean islands to visit.
4. App X is not worth purchasing.
5. President X did a good job.

Evidence

Evidence consists of observations or measurements that can be verified by others using appropriate tools or procedures.

Logic

Logic is the process of drawing valid conclusions from premises using consistent reasoning rules.

Why?

Skill with truth is worthwhile for several reasons:

1. Distinguish between reality and falsehood.

2. Figure out the best actions to take.

3. Explain why something is best for you.

4. Build trust and authenticity in communication.

5. Improve critical thinking and decision-making.

6. Support science, philosophy, and inquiry.

7. Essential in many fields: medicine, math, science, engineering, teaching, accounting, law, and so on.

How?

Principles

• A truth claim has a truth value of true or false.

• The truth or falsity of an objective truth claim is established using evidence and logic. If established as true, it is true for everyone.

• A subjective truth claim is true for one or more people, but not for everyone. The truth depends on personal values, preferences, experiences, etc.

• Bias is a systematic tendency to favor or oppose something that is not based wholly on careful (i.e., critical) thinking. Bias is universal. Therefore, we seek to minimize it, knowing it cannot be eliminated entirely.

Framework

Here is how to evaluate truth claims:

1. Recognition

   • Continually recognize propositions—statements that have a truth value.

2. Filtering

   • Filter out propositions that are not worth examining.

3. Evaluation

   • Classify the statement as either objective or subjective.

   • For an objective claim, assess the supporting evidence and logic.

   • For a subjective claim, understand the reasons or values that make it true for the person.

Tips

• Be cautious of confirmation bias, which can distort your judgment.

• Use multiple forms of evidence and diverse perspectives.

• Approach subjective claims with openness and empathy.

• Accept subjective claims as personal truths—people are sharing what they value or prefer.

• Match the level of detail to the context. For example, “the Earth is round” is generally accepted as true, but in technical contexts we note that it is an oblate spheroid.

Facts

Who: Every person and group should have the ability to recognize propositions and determine the truth or falsity of those that matter.

When: Analyzing truth value should be embedded into everyday life, both personal and professional.