Truth: The Basics

Truth: The Basics provides a concise and engaging introduction to philosophical theories about the nature of truth, exploring five important answers (correspondence, semantic, verifiability, transparency, and plurality) and addressing objections and resources for further understanding. It is an ideal starting point for anyone seeking a lively and accessible introduction to the study of truth.

Format: Hardback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 04 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Truth: The Basics is a comprehensive and captivating exploration of philosophical theories concerning the essence of truth. Authored by two esteemed philosophers who are experts in this field, the book revolves around a central question: What, if anything, is common to all truths, rendering them true? The book delves into five significant answers (theories) to this question, each of which is examined in detail.

The first theory, correspondence, asserts that truths correspond to the external world. It posits that for a statement to be true, it must match the reality it purports to describe. The second theory, semantic, emphasizes the role of meaning in truth. It suggests that truths are determined by the meanings assigned to words and sentences. The third theory, verifiability, emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence in determining truth. It asserts that truths can be verified through scientific experiments and observations. The fourth theory, transparency, emphasizes the idea that truths are accessible to the mind and can be perceived directly. It suggests that truths are not hidden or obscured but are readily apparent to those who seek them. The fifth theory, plurality, argues that truths can be multiple and conflicting. It posits that there may be different truths for different individuals or situations, and that the search for truth is an ongoing and complex process.

In addition to exploring these five theories, the book also addresses several key questions related to each theory. For instance, what is the answer to the central question of each theory? What is the underlying motivation behind that answer? What is a precise argument for that answer? What are the most significant objections to that answer? What are some valuable resources for further understanding the theory?

Furthermore, an additional chapter provides an extensive introduction to the notorious liar paradox, a thought-provoking puzzle that challenges the traditional understanding of truth. This paradox highlights the complexities and subtleties of the philosophical study of truth and encourages readers to think critically about the nature of truth.

Overall, Truth: The Basics serves as an excellent introduction to the philosophical study of truth. Written in a clear and concise manner, the book is accessible to undergraduate students and general readers alike. It provides a solid foundation for those interested in delving deeper into the rich and complex world of truth. By making connections between truth and other areas of philosophy, including language, semantics, metaphysics, logic, and epistemology, the book prepares the reader to tackle more advanced work in this field. Additionally, the inclusion of technical appendices for more advanced readers adds to the book's value and appeal. Whether you are a student, a philosopher, or simply someone who is curious about the nature of truth, Truth: The Basics is a must-read.

Weight: 503g
Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032039886