yguy

It proves nothing of the sort. All we have here is evidence that people see the truth differently. Those differences may be attributable to misperception, which would mean that some views of the truth are in fact untrue, and that they are truths in name only.

Tristan Scott

I think facts are absolute and truth is not. A fact is a fact and always can be proven with empirical evidence. Truth can also be proven by emperical evidence, but not always. Therefore truth is not absolute and facts are.

I know what modal logic is. If modal truth is what I am delving into, then so be it. I do not see how anyone can say that the statement "what is true for one person is not true for another", is not accurate.

Since on this thread people are disagreeing as to what truth is, my contention that this thread proves that truth is not absolute is correct.

leyline

Whether or not something is proved is still down to cultural agreement. If enough people agree that this thread proves that what is true for one person is not true for another, then it is proved for them. If enough people agree that it does not prove that what is true for one person is not true for another then it is not proved for that group. Because truth is a cultural relationship to reality, the percentage of a culture that agree on a truth makes that truth significant. That is what is meant by people being ahead of their time. Culture has inertia and can be slow to change direction.

As for the difference between a truth and a fact, then it all depends on how we agree to differentiate between those terms. Not always easy because truth is often an emotive and important issue. Personally I tend to think that a fact is the same as a truth, except that when a truth is claimed to be a fact it is done so with more commitment. Often we are not so committed to a particular statement and leave a bit of open mindedness. We even recognise half truths. But facts are for those who feel strongly and is often associated with absolute claims and claims that are fundamental building blocks to world views.

yguy

Then I don't guess it's absolutely true that you're correct, is it?

Tristan Scott

No, unlike you I usually try to qualify what I say as my opinion.

yguy

Then allow me to state categorically that this is an absolute fact: your opinion is obviously dead wrong, because it is self-contradictory.

Tristan Scott

If that's what trips your trigger, be my guest.

Or you could try being a grown-up and discuss what is on your mind, but then that is really your call.

yguy

Elephant? What elephant?

Tazz10m

That is really funny i spelled disfunctional wrong 8 times... especially since i do know how to spell it. Guess i need to fire my proof reader and hire a better one. Btw, you spelled fundamental wrong. Speaking of spelling, i've been reading the Lewis & Clark journals. Talk about a brain twister. The spelling is absolutely horrendous! But, that kind of spelling was accepted as normal back then.

As for the dictionary, sure i promote its use, but it's not written by God, (If God exsists, of course) so it's not perfect, or an absolute authority.

As for something being called the truth that is "accepted as true"... sure, the word 'truth' is used in that manner by many, and so to fully understand the word truth and how it is used it is proper to define it that way... BUT, please note, in my dictionary that is #6 out of a total of 12 that all agree with what i originally posted. So, in consideration of that, it can be reasonably argued that "accepted as true" should be left out of the definition.

Tristan Scott

I'm an awful speller. I only mentioned yours because you were ranting about another poster getting educated and using dictionaries, etc. I assumed you knew that.

Yes, but it is the authority on defining words.

So since you don't agree it should be left out. I see...