Truth in Public Life

The book "Truth in Public Life" explores the difficulty in defining truth, its critical importance in civilised society, and the challenges and threats to telling the truth in different public service settings. Three leading experts reflect on subjects related to truth in public life, including why absolute truth exists and how it matters morally, why truth is important to sustaining civilised society, and the challenge of truth-telling for public servants. It is a potent reminder of how important truth is, even as it is threatened afresh.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 90 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2020
Publisher: Haus Publishing

Truth in Public Life delves into the intricate complexities of defining truth, its paramount significance in civilized society, and the formidable challenges and threats faced by individuals in various public service contexts when endeavoring to speak the truth. Three esteemed experts offer their insights on subjects related to truth in public life. In his essay titled "Truth Pursued: Or Being Pursued by Truth," Vernon White establishes the existence of absolute truth and elucidates its moral significance. He explains why and how truth matters ethically. In "Truth Sustained," Stephen Lamport emphasizes the indispensable role of truth in sustaining a civilized society. He argues that truth is fundamental to other essential qualities such as objectivity, honesty, openness, leadership, selflessness, integrity, and accountability. Claire Foster-Gilbert explores the daunting challenge of truth-telling for public servants in her essay titled "Truth Told." She examines the experiences of politicians, civil servants, journalists, judges, police officers, and others who face unique obstacles when attempting to convey the truth. These individuals navigate a landscape where their credibility is often questioned, their ministers may seek to filter information based on policy ideas, journalists may be tempted by sensational stories, judges may be influenced by unconscious biases, and police officers must balance the need to believe accusers with the pursuit of justice for alleged perpetrators. This concise book serves as a powerful reminder of the immense value of truth, despite the ongoing threats it faces.

Weight: 82g
Dimension: 179 x 112 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912208906