The problem of truth in philosophy is central to the whole theory of knowledge. It is identified with the essence itself, is one of the most important worldview concepts, is on a par with such key phenomena as Good, Evil, Justice, Beauty.
The problem of truth in philosophy and science is quite complex. Many concepts of the past, for example, the concept of Democritus about the indivisibility of atoms, has been considered undisputed for almost two thousand years. Now it already appears as a delusion. However, most likely, a large proportion of the existing scientific theories will turn out to be errors that will be refuted over time.
At each stage of its development, mankind possessed only relative truth - incomplete knowledge containing errors. The recognition of relative truth is associated with the infinity of the process of cognition of the world, its inexhaustibility.
The problem of truth in philosophy also lies in the fact that the knowledge of each historical epoch contains elements of absolute truth, since it has objectively true content, is a necessary stage of cognition, and is included in subsequent stages.
Interpretation Methods
The problem of truth in philosophy required for its solution several ways of interpreting this concept.
- Ontological understanding. "Truth is that which is." The very existence of a thing or thing is important. The fidelity of the conclusion can be revealed at a certain moment, a person will open it through words, works of art, thereby making it the property of all. However, in cases of different understanding and perception of the same process, this position is not critical.
- Epistemological understanding. "Truth - when knowledge is true." But here, too, there are many disagreements, since the practice of comparing the obviously incomparable: real-material and ideal, is widespread. Moreover, many phenomena, for example, “freedom”, “love”, cannot be verified.
- Positivist understanding. “Truth must be confirmed by experience.” Positivism considered only that which can actually be tested in practice, and the rest went beyond the study of "real philosophy." Such an approach clearly disregards many important phenomena, processes, entities for a person.
- Pragmatic understanding. "Truth is the utility, the effectiveness of knowledge." According to this approach, those that have the effect and profit are recognized as true.
- Conventional understanding. "Truth is an agreement." According to this approach, if there were disagreements, then it was necessary to agree on what exactly should be considered the right conclusion. This position can only be used for a certain time and not in all areas of activity.
Most likely, the problems of truth in philosophy unite all these approaches. Truth - that which actually exists, corresponds to our knowledge. At the same time, this is a certain agreement, agreement. It is objective and subjective, absolute and relative, concrete and abstract.
Of great importance in cognitive activity is human faith, conviction, confidence. In the process of cognition, the subject becomes closer to the world, unites with it. Cognitive relationships are relationships of interest, not indifference and impersonality. In the cognitive process there is a volitional choice of faith and belief. In fact, faith is the starting point of knowledge and its purpose. It allows you to bridge the gap that exists between ignorance and knowledge. The problem of truth in philosophy is the choice of a more convincing explanation. Therefore, to mobilize one’s spiritual strength in the absence of accurate evidence or lack of information, faith in one’s own capabilities is required.