Philosophical Approaches to Truth and Knowledge

Criteria for Recognizing Truth

The Role of Evidence

The term evidence comes from the Latin videre (to see) and refers to the particular forms of presentation that certain facts and propositions possess, making them appear obvious. Knowledge is evident when it produces certainty. However, there is no 100% satisfactory criterion, as the sense of certainty can be somewhat subjective.

Intersubjectivity in Truth Recognition

Intersubjectivity is based on the idea that knowledge is objective, shared by all, and not exclusive to a particular person. Compared to evidence, intersubjectivity has the advantage that the recognition of truth is not made by one person but by several. Truth is not something private but requires the consensus of the scientific community. However, although truth requires consensus, this is not a sufficient guarantee of truth.

Dogmatism: Certainty in Knowledge

Dogmatism, a philosophical position born in the seventeenth century, asserts that we can acquire universal and certain knowledge. Descartes was one of the leading dogmatists. Dogmatism believes that a good method can provide valid and universal knowledge about everything. Nationalists are often considered dogmatic.

Skepticism: Doubting Absolute Knowledge

Skepticism, a position opposed to dogmatism, emerged in the eighteenth century. It casts doubt on the possibility of firm and sure knowledge. It denies the possibility of absolute knowledge, considering it an unattainable desire. Pyrrho is considered the first skeptic.

Criticism: Kant's Approach to Knowledge

Criticism, a philosophy created by Kant, asserts that knowledge is possible (unlike the skeptics). But this knowledge is not unquestionable and final (as dogmatists claim) but must be reviewed and criticized.

Relativism: Contextual Truth

Relativism denies the existence of a truth valid in itself at any time and place. It rejects the claim of objective and universal knowledge and considers that there are only individual opinions, which are valid within a given social, cultural, and historical context. What is true at one time and in one culture is not in another. The Sophists are considered the fathers of epistemological and moral relativism.

Perspectivism: Multiple Views of Reality

Each person or group who knows does so from a particular viewpoint or perspective, thus having a partial view of reality. This view is not false; rather, it is irreplaceable. All perspectives are true, and the synthesis of them all would constitute the complete truth.