Theories of Truth and the Possibility of Knowledge

Theories of Truth

The Correspondence Theory

Truth is achieved when a statement matches reality. For centuries, this has been considered the most reliable way to ascertain truth. However, when reality is not material, truth becomes more subjective. Truth can never be subjective.

The Coherence Theory

Truth lies in consistency and the absence of contradictions within a set of statements. Logic is essential to determine consistency. Any change in information must maintain coherence. Hegel believed that truth encompasses everything. One ideal of science is to integrate all existing scientific theories.

The Pragmatic Theory

Truth is what produces useful results. This aligns with the idea that the end justifies the means, making it an a posteriori theory focused on solving practical problems.

The Consensus Theory

Truth arises from collective agreement. Everyone contributes their ideas, and a consensus is reached. This theory emphasizes the importance of listening to diverse perspectives to access truth.

Types of Interest and the Possibility of Knowledge

The possibility of knowledge raises fundamental questions. Six responses to this question are:

• Dogmatism: Defending an idea as absolute truth without critical evaluation.
• Skepticism: Believing that reliable knowledge is unattainable due to insufficient justification.
• Subjectivism and Relativism: Denying the possibility of universally valid truths.
• Pragmatism: Equating truth with usefulness.
• Criticism: A middle ground between dogmatism and skepticism. Real knowledge is possible, but requires clarifying our capacity to know and critically comparing knowledge with reality.
• Perspectivism: Knowledge of reality is achieved by combining different perspectives.

Technical Interest measures mastery of nature through empirical analysis and explanation, as seen in physics and biology.
Practical Interest focuses on understanding and communication through historical hermeneutics, as seen in history.
Emancipatory Interest seeks freedom from domination and repression, as seen in critical social sciences and cognitive psychology.

Criteria of Truth

Criteria of truth are the characteristics or procedures used to distinguish truth from falsehood:

• Authority: Accepting a statement as true based on the credibility of the source.
• Tradition: Accepting something as true because it has been considered true over time.
• Correspondence: Truth is determined by the match between thought and empirical reality.
• Logical Consistency: Ensuring no contradictions exist within a system of statements.
• Usefulness: A statement is true if it is beneficial and helpful.
• Evidence: Truth is based on what is presented as indisputable.