Children: Truth
"On a Supposed Right to Tell Lies from Benevolent Motives" is an essay by the philosopher Immanuel Kant, in which he discusses the moral implications of lying, particularly when such lies are told with the intention of benefiting others. Kant argues that truthfulness is a fundamental principle of morality and that one has an absolute duty to tell the truth, regardless of the potential consequences or motivations behind a lie.
Post-truth politics refers to a political environment where emotional appeals and personal beliefs often outweigh objective facts and logical reasoning in shaping public opinion and political discourse. In a post-truth context, political leaders and media can prioritize subjective narratives over verifiable evidence, leading to the acceptance of misinformation and disinformation among the electorate.
The Pro-Truth Pledge is an initiative aimed at promoting truthful communication and countering the spread of misinformation. It encourages individuals, especially those in public discourse, to commit to a set of principles that emphasize honesty, transparency, and accountability. The pledge typically involves commitments to fact-checking information before sharing, acknowledging and correcting mistakes, seeking out credible sources, and fostering constructive dialogue.
Radical honesty is a concept and practice developed by psychologist Brad Blanton in the 1990s. It advocates for complete honesty in communication and interactions with others, emphasizing the importance of expressing one's true feelings, thoughts, and experiences without filtering or concealing them. The idea is that by being radically honest, individuals can eliminate the emotional burdens of deception, misunderstandings, and societal expectations.
Religious views on truth can vary widely across different faith traditions, but several common themes emerge. Here are some general perspectives from various religions on the concept of truth: ### 1. **Monotheistic Religions:** - **Judaism:** Truth (emet) is highly valued in Judaism. It is seen as a fundamental attribute of God, and the pursuit of truth is a moral imperative. The Torah is considered a source of ultimate truth.
Satyagraha is a philosophy and method of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience developed by Mahatma Gandhi in the early 20th century. The term itself is derived from two Sanskrit words: "satya," meaning truth, and "agraha," meaning firmness or insistence. Thus, it can be understood as "firmness in truth" or "truth-force.
"Speaking truth to power" is a phrase that refers to the act of confronting authority figures or institutions with honest and often critical views, especially when those in power may be acting unjustly or dishonestly. It signifies standing up against the dominant narratives, policies, or practices of those in positions of authority, and advocating for transparency, accountability, and justice. This concept is often associated with activism, social change, and efforts to address inequalities or abuses of power.
Substantial truth refers to a concept in law, especially in the context of defamation, where the truth of a claim is judged not just on technical or trivial details but on the overall essence or substance of the statement. If a statement, despite some inaccuracies, accurately conveys the truth about a person's character or actions, it may be deemed substantially true. In legal terms, if a defendant can demonstrate that a statement is substantially true, they may be able to avoid liability for defamation.
Sworn testimony refers to a formal declaration made under oath, usually in a legal setting such as a courtroom, deposition, or sworn affidavit. When an individual provides sworn testimony, they are affirming that the statements they are making are true to the best of their knowledge, and they understand that providing false information can lead to legal penalties, including charges of perjury. Sworn testimony is used to establish facts and provide evidence in legal proceedings, ensuring that the information presented is credible and reliable.
A "Testimony of integrity" typically refers to a statement or affirmation made by an individual that reflects their honesty, ethical standards, and adherence to moral principles. This kind of testimony can manifest in various contexts, such as personal or professional environments, legal situations, or religious settings. Here are a few key aspects: 1. **Personal Affirmation**: It may involve an individual sharing their experiences or beliefs regarding honesty and integrity, often illustrating how these values have influenced their decisions and actions.
"The truth will set you free" is a phrase often used to express the idea that understanding and accepting the truth about a situation, oneself, or the world can lead to liberation and a sense of empowerment. The phrase highlights the belief that facing reality, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable it may be, ultimately brings clarity, peace, and the opportunity for growth.
Truth-seeking is a cognitive and philosophical endeavor aimed at discovering, understanding, and adhering to objective truths about the world, ourselves, and our beliefs. It involves a critical approach to information, encouraging individuals to question assumptions, seek evidence, and evaluate differing perspectives. Key aspects of truth-seeking include: 1. **Open-Mindedness**: Being willing to consider new ideas and listen to different viewpoints, even if they challenge one's existing beliefs.
Truthiness is a term popularized by comedian Stephen Colbert during his time on "The Colbert Report." It refers to the quality of seeming or being felt to be true, even if it is not backed by evidence or fact. In other words, something that has truthiness resonates with a person's emotions or beliefs but may lack objective truth. Colbert introduced the concept to critique a trend in politics and media where opinions and beliefs often take precedence over rational analysis and verifiable facts.
"Veritas" is a Latin word that means "truth." It is often used in various contexts, including philosophy, literature, and organizational names. Here are a few notable aspects: 1. **Philosophical Context**: In philosophy, the concept of truth (veritas) has been extensively explored. Thinkers from various schools have sought to define what truth is and how it can be understood and verified.
"Via et veritas et vita" is a Latin phrase that translates to "The Way, the Truth, and the Life" in English. This phrase is often associated with a passage from the Christian New Testament, specifically John 14:6, in which Jesus states, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." This declaration emphasizes the belief in Jesus as the path to salvation, the embodiment of truth, and the source of eternal life, central themes in Christian theology.