Aspects of Truth: A New Religious Metaphysics

The question "What is truth?" remains of crucial significance, and Catherine Pickstock's book argues that epistemological approaches to truth either fail argumentatively or offer only vacuity. She advances a bold metaphysical and realist appraisal that overcomes the Kantian impasse and contends that truth cannot be separated from the transcendent reality of the thinking soul.

Format: Hardback
Length: 340 pages
Publication date: 22 October 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The question that Pilate put to Jesus was fraught with dramatic irony, especially in light of the contemporary debate over what constitutes truth. But at a time when the distinction between truth and untruth has become increasingly blurred, the question retains its utmost importance. Is truth merely a representation of things that lack inherent truthfulness? Or is it merely the result of coherence? Or is truth merely a convenient term that refers to the external world as perceived by an individual's language? In her ambitious new book, Catherine Pickstock delves into these profound questions, challenging traditional epistemological approaches that either fail to provide convincing arguments or offer mere vacuity. Instead, she presents a bold metaphysical and realist appraisal that breaks free from the Kantian impasse of subjective knowing and the limitations imposed by supposedly finite boundaries. Her book argues that, ultimately, truth cannot be separated from the transcendent reality of the thinking soul.

The concept of truth has been a subject of intense scrutiny throughout history, with philosophers and thinkers from various cultures and periods offering their perspectives on the matter. One of the most influential thinkers on truth is Plato, who believed that truth is an objective reality that exists independently of human perception and interpretation. In his dialogues, Plato explores the nature of truth and its relationship to the world around us, arguing that the forms or ideas that underlie the physical world are the true essence of reality.

On the other hand, Aristotle believed that truth is a subjective concept that is derived from human perception and reasoning. He argued that the truth is not an objective reality but rather a product of human understanding and interpretation. Aristotle believed that there are different levels of truth, with the highest level being the truth of logical reasoning and the lowest level being the truth of empirical observation.

In the Middle Ages, the concept of truth was further developed by theologians and philosophers such as St. Thomas Aquinas and John Duns Scotus. Aquinas believed that truth is a divine reality that exists outside of human perception and can be accessed through the use of reason and faith. Scotus, on the other hand, argued that truth is a subjective concept that is derived from human experience and interpretation.

In the modern era, the debate over truth has continued to be a topic of intense discussion. Philosophers such as Descartes, Kant, and Hegel have all offered their perspectives on the nature of truth, with each arguing for a different understanding of the concept. Descartes believed that truth is an objective reality that exists independently of human perception and can be accessed through the use of reason alone. Kant argued that truth is a subjective concept that is derived from human experience and perception and that it is not possible to know anything with certainty. Hegel believed that truth is a dynamic process that evolves through the interaction of human consciousness and the external world.

In recent years, the concept of truth has been challenged by postmodern thinkers such as Jacques Derrida and Jean-Francois Lyotard. Derrida argued that truth is a deconstructive concept that is impossible to define or capture because it is constantly shifting and changing. Lyotard argued that truth is a social construct that is created and maintained by power structures and that it is not an objective reality that exists independently of human perception and interpretation.

Despite the diverse range of perspectives on truth, there is a common theme that emerges from these discussions. All of these thinkers agree that truth is a complex and multifaceted concept that cannot be reduced to a simple definition or explanation. They also agree that the search for truth is an ongoing and challenging endeavor that requires a critical and open-minded approach.

In conclusion, the question of what is truth remains of crucial significance in the contemporary world. While there are diverse perspectives on the nature of truth, all of these thinkers agree that truth is a complex and multifaceted concept that cannot be reduced to a simple definition or explanation. The search for truth is an ongoing and challenging endeavor that requires a critical and open-minded approach. As we continue to navigate the complex and ever-changing world around us, it is important to remain committed to the pursuit of truth and to engage in meaningful dialogue and debate about the nature of reality.

Weight: 612g
Dimension: 161 x 234 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108840323