Truth is explained in three theories:
In life, we have all been educated to always tell the truth. We all have had endless lessons on the importance of telling the truth. However, considering our day to day activities and encounters, many of us barely adhere to these instructions these days. It raises a question; Is it so hard to tell the truth? Does it require so much struggle and audacity to tell the truth? The response is No, because, truth can not be refuted as it is all prevalent and universal. As a matter of fact, speaking lies is far more easier than speaking the truth. However, having discovered the elegance in telling the truth, everyone would actually embrace it and never tell lies anymore (Asmita Awasthi).Truth is explained in three theories:
Theories of Truth
Firstly, is the Correspondence theory. The theory is the most known in defining and comprehending truth and lies. It claims that any idea that goes in line with the reality is truth. On the contrary, any idea that goes against reality is a lie. The theory also claims that truth is not derived from facts. It argues that facts are different from beliefs, whereby, facts refer to the current state of circumstances in the world while beliefs refer to one’s view on the current state of circumstances in the world. This means one can not question facts as that is how the world is. However beliefs can be questioned as they could or could not describe the current state of the world. Under this theory, facts and beliefs have been noted to correspond in some aspects. For instance, the belief that the sky is blue has been approved by the fact that the sky is blue. The concept that truth is based on what corresponds with reality has been proven by philosophical studies by Aristotle and Plato. However, there has since been an argument by Eubulides, who claims that statements such as “i am lying” make truth leave us with a staggering meaning. This is because the statement could either be true or false. If the above stement is true because it goes in line with reality then it is a lie. On the contrary, if it is false because it works against reality, then it should be true. Conclusively, reality is not a measure of truth and truth can not be determined by reality.
The coherence theory. It claims that a true belief is determined by the possibility to merge it in a systematic and coherent manner into a wider and complex scope of beliefs. Also the truth of a belief is determined by its ability to fit in the other varieties of beliefs without controverting. This raises as argument as at times, a belief could be defective analysis of reality but still suit in the wider system. In this case, the faulty belief will still be termed as true even if it does not exactly show how the world was before. Testing statements in terms of bigger groups means, the statement could be true because it can be verified against reality. Hence, you can ignore a statement that does not correspond with the concepts that we are sure are true.
The pragmatic theory. The theory examines if a belief is true and can be used to forecast the future happenings in the world. This comes with direct interactions and not isolation. However, the pragmatic theory has been argued on the basis of belief in success. For instance, believing in success raises psychological strength but what happens when this success does not happen instead?That questions the truth of the belief. The theory further analyzes the differences between truth and useful as concepts of belief. It argues that although sometimes true beliefs may end up being useful, some times untruth turns out even more useful than the truth, hence clarifying the differences between truth and untruth. According to the pragmatic theory, the truth should give forecast outcomes for us and our lives. All in all, speaking the truth has got its benefits as well;
Benefits of Truth
To begin with, telling the truth gives enormous internal peace as well as self contentment(Asmita Awasthi). Speaking lies denies one their internal peace as they are not settled because of their conscious that keeps tampering with them. Internal peace and self contentment is very essential to every human being. Speaking the truth means, one has no internal battles to fight. They will always stay happy and the look on their faces is enough proof for their internal peace and self contentment.
Moreover, the avenue to lies is always short-lived. At first, it always seems enticing, luring someone by showing the instant merits. However, what we all fail to know is that it is just a mirage and the reality will be unfolding in no time. The mirage just gives joy and prosperity that is temporary. The avenue to sincerity and integrity is always deemed tough and unbearable. However, despite the struggle, its outcomes are always long-lasting implying self actualization. This avenue always leave one at peace, happy and satisfied.
Also, speaking the truth creates in you someone who everyone looks up to. It implies that one becomes a mentor and a role model in the society. Such people lead by example and they always have some sort of respect and admiration in the society as they are icons with everyone following their footsteps. Such people are indeed proof that telling the truth always leaves one a winner.
Speaking lies could save one for a short-while(Asmita Awasthi). Could be from a mistake committed or any embarrassing actions. The saving however does not last long. It is even a worse scenario when the object finds out the truth as this could even leave the other person troubled with low esteem issues due to lack of confidence. Speaking the truth implies one does not go through all this mess as they are always on the right track hence getting the honor and respect from everyone in the society.
Besides, truth does not need a proof as it is universal and prevalent. Truth does not need scientific, statistical or mathematical analysis, to examine its character and existence. Rather, it exists independently with no need for back-up. Telling the truth could help boil down the toughest of issues, calm down the toughest of people as well as rectify any unfavorable situations turning them into conducive ones. Telling the truth therefore gives hope and optimism to the person experiencing difficult conditions and needs to overcome them.
Honesty should not be just a matter of public display. A person should be truthful to oneself too. Being honest to yourself leaves you satisfied and at peace as do not experience any guilt. Despite the prevailing conditions, the person treasures every moment of their life. Such people always come out victorious in their endeavors. The avenue of truth is normally tough, demanding for a lot of courage, determination, patience, and sacrifice, Importantly, the avenue is always rewarded with joy, satisfaction and self actualization which are fundamental components of a good life(Asmita Awasthi).
Insidious Art of Lying
These days, the line between lies and truth has even become more dismal. This is evident in politicians, whereby, they lie to people by telling them the truth(Hogenboom, Melissa).This could be a bit confusing but a very good example is in the scenario where your parent asks you whether you have extensively revised for a certain topic in your upcoming mathematics test and you respond that you have studied for the entire mathematics test. This statement is ambiguous in a way that though you have responded, you have not given the required answer to the exact question posed. Your revision for the entire mathematics content could have happened long ago as there is no evidence. You could have misguided your parent with some trustful information into believing that you did the revision yet nothing has been done. This process is termed as paltering. It is a term that was applied by psychologists to describe the act of misleading by speaking the truth. Paltering is so rampant within the society in that it shades more light on the thin line between lies and truth and even explains why we lie more in our day to day activities. We tell lies every time despite the fact that we lose more in terms of mental well-being because it is always easier to tell the truth than lies.
In conclusion, truth is a very strong and important aspect in our day to day lives. Clearly, telling the truth causes more good than harm hence we should always strive to stick to the path leading us to truth for our own individual and societal benefit.