Definition of truth and how to recognize it

[Troll]

I saw to usages of the word truth.
1. Absolute truth.
For example "I think, therefore I am". That s a rare usage and almost nothing is included in absolute truth.
2. Something you really like.
For example "science and evidence are the way to truth" or "Bible is the way to truth".

Is there anything else?

[Observer]

Objective truth: This rope measures x length of our previously agreed upon size resolution...

Abstract truth: The person that gave me a coffee this morning does not exist, since I did not get any (not that this is a way to prove a negative)

[bemore]

Personal experience, tangible things.

[Troll]

So certain kind of truth is defined as the set of information one can get using certain kind of methods. But the same way you can define
Biblical truth- information you can get by reading the Bible
astrological truth-information you can get using astrology

Is there any fundamental reason why objective truth should be more valid than astrological truth?

[Observer]

(13-12-2012 04:18 AM)Troll Wrote:  Is there any fundamental reason why objective truth should be more valid than astrological truth?

Practical application in daily life?

[Troll]

(13-12-2012 04:55 AM)Observer Wrote:  Practical application in daily life?

If you admit the only reason why we use science, evidence and logic are practical applications and benefits in daily life, that s OK. But than you have to admit that religion based on the argument "religion makes me happy and is good for me" is as valid as science.

[Why?]

If you use "truth" as an abstract concept then....Yes If you read the bible and it makes you happy then that in itself is a truth. Fundamental truths like gravity, the speed of light etc. do not have any relevance to your being. They will be just as true if you were not here to experience them

[Observer]

(13-12-2012 06:37 AM)Troll Wrote:  

(13-12-2012 04:55 AM)Observer Wrote:  Practical application in daily life?

If you admit the only reason why we use science, evidence and logic are practical applications and benefits in daily life, that s OK. But than you have to admit that religion based on the argument "religion makes me happy and is good for me" is as valid as science.

I personally have absolutely no problem with that...

The only problem I have with religion is when people start to draw authority from it.
"You need to act so and so, because my deity wants you to"
"You need to obey me, because I know best since I was thought the way the gods want it to."
"I need to get privileges, because my philosophy is the only right philosophy"

What your personal beliefs are, is none of my business. But once you start to think I need do obey your beliefs, I want proofs of their truth...

[Why?]

(13-12-2012 04:18 AM)Troll Wrote:  So certain kind of truth is defined as the set of information one can get using certain kind of methods. But the same way you can define
Biblical truth- information you can get by reading the Bible
astrological truth-information you can get using astrology

Is there any fundamental reason why objective truth should be more valid than astrological truth?

What you are proposing is. If I read my horoscope everyday and it tells me I will meet a tall dark stranger and everyday I do meet a tall dark stranger then that will only be true until the day I don't. From then on it can never be true. No matter how many times after that first time I don't meet one I do meet one the hypothesis has failed. It's like flipping a coin. If you call heads and it comes up heads for 100 times doesn't mean that it will always come up heads unless it's a double headed coin
As for biblical truth (oxymoron). All books contain some truths even fiction

[Ghost]

Hey, Troll.

Subjective truth
Relative truth
Universal truth
Objective truth

Peace and Love and Empathy,

Matt