Evaluating Truth: Criteria, Metaphysics, Realism & Idealism

Criteria of Truth

Criteria of truth: The procedure by which we distinguish truth from falsehood. The main criteria are presented below.

Authority

Authority: A statement is accepted as true because it comes from an authority who is granted credibility for knowledge of the subject. Example: a judge talking about laws.

Tradition

Tradition: Something taken as true because it has been accepted over time. Example: when my people drink a glass of oil in the morning because they believe it improves health.

Coherence (Logical Consistency)

Coherence (logical consistency): You check that there is no contradiction between the statements within the same system. Example: In the sea there are fish.

Utility

Utility: A claim is held as true when it is beneficial or useful for us. Example: learning to drive a manual car.

Evidence

Evidence: What is presented as indisputable because it is directly observable or demonstrable. Example: if you put your hand in burning fire, you will be burned.

Correspondence Between Thought and Reality

Correspondence between thought and reality: A belief is true when it matches empirical reality. Example: when you put food in the refrigerator to preserve it and this is optimal over time.

Characteristics of Metaphysics

Characteristics of metaphysics: the ultimate concerns (an attempt to reach the last issues), a universal perspective, the need to interpret experiences and sort them, and a role as a guide in the world.

Cases and Philosophical Positions

1. The doctor of the three degrees of knowledge believes that this is the second stage. In their studies they based their decision on what they thought was correct and were sure it was right to inject him. There is a maximum degree of responsibility because the doctor should have checked whether the patient was allergic and should have had full knowledge of the situation.

4. Yes, because it is in our nature to have prejudices. Factors such as birthplace, the education received, age, social class, etc., shape them. A person has some preconceived ideas about any thought.

Realism

Realism: Priority of the object; it affirms the independent existence of the world. The immediate object of knowledge is things themselves. It adopts a receptive, natural, spontaneous, and confident attitude toward the objects of knowledge: things are known as they are.

Idealism

Idealism: Priority of the subject; it questions the independent existence of the world. The immediate object of knowledge is ideas. It adopts a constructive, critical, and active attitude: knowledge and understanding of things depend on the way of knowing.