A Vision for the Certificate of Absolute Truth (COAT)

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren is known for her assertive approach to policy, often stating, "I have a plan for that." In a similar vein, I have devised a strategy to tackle the issue of fake news: the introduction of a "Certificate of Absolute Truth" (COAT) for universally acknowledged facts. Imagine utilizing these undeniable truths as foundations for innovative solutions to societal challenges. True information stems from these Absolute Truths, so let’s initiate problem-solving with unbiased facts.

This initiative is not as complex as it may seem. Various contributors on platforms like Medium have already tackled the essence of truth. One insightful Medium contributor noted:

"Truth is real. It consists of verifiable events and facts, not mere opinions or beliefs. If something cannot be proven as accurate, it cannot be considered a truth."

By this definition, truth is rooted in verifiable facts. It is not opinionated or subjective. The quest for clarity is vital; as humans, we thrive on certainty, and it’s essential to unearth those Absolute Truths that instill confidence within us.

Let’s embark on this journey! We can collectively identify and honor these truths with a COAT. We will begin with straightforward and easily recognizable candidates.

COAT Candidates: A Search for Absolute Truths

Candidate 1: The Sunrise

What is more universally accepted than the daily occurrence of sunrise? Everyone experiences the dawn, whether through its light or warmth. This daily event should undoubtedly qualify for a COAT award. However, a critical examination reveals a twist: the concept of sunrise is tied to the geocentric view that the sun revolves around a stationary Earth.

Yikes! Given that we now understand the Earth orbits the sun, perhaps we should reconsider how we refer to this daily event. Should we instead say, "The horizon will descend at 7:00" and "The horizon will rise at 19:00"?

This suggests we cannot confer a COAT to sunrise since the reality is more complex than it appears.

Candidate 2: Forests Are Green

Another seemingly indisputable truth is that forests are green. Regardless of whether they are deciduous or coniferous, trees appear green to most of us. This natural phenomenon should qualify for a COAT, right? But hold on!

Color is subjective; our brains interpret wavelengths of light reflected off surfaces. Thus, a forest's greenness may not be an objective fact, but rather a perception. If color is merely a personal experience, can we genuinely claim that "forests are green" is an Absolute Truth?

Candidate 3: Freedom of Speech

Let's consider free speech, a principle highly valued across societies. What could be more precious than the ability to express one's thoughts without fear? This principle has been defended through wars and struggles, and it’s celebrated in democratic societies, such as New Hampshire's motto, "Live Free or Die."

However, this concept is layered with complexities. Who defines the conditions of free speech? The term becomes nebulous when stripped of its ideological implications. In the realm of information theory, its value lies in reducing uncertainty.

In recent events surrounding political figures and their controversial statements, the meaning of "free speech" becomes muddled. Given the varied perspectives on this issue, is it possible that free speech is not an Absolute Truth but rather a collective understanding shaped by shared beliefs?

The Nature of Truth: A Complex Puzzle

The pursuit of Absolute Truth is fraught with challenges. The initial candidates—sunrise, green forests, and freedom of speech—seemed straightforward but quickly revealed their complexities. A colleague, an AI assistant, insightfully remarked on the multifaceted nature of truth, likening it to different domains of knowledge, from mathematics to social dynamics.

Truth is not singular; it is nuanced and context-dependent. For instance, the verified fact of Joe Biden’s election as the 46th President clashes with the persistent belief among millions of voters that the election was compromised. How do we navigate this divide?

In history, millions believed in the idealized portrayal of figures like Adolf Hitler, illustrating how entrenched beliefs can resist factual correction. This raises a crucial question: can we separate belief from truth in complex societal contexts?

Conclusion: A Journey Ahead

The truth is a multifaceted and often elusive concept. As we explore further, we will delve into the interplay of fact-based versus belief-based truths, highlighting the need for clarity in our collective understanding.

In the next installment, we will examine how truths evolve from the interplay of arts and sciences, focusing on their implications for societal cohesion and understanding.

References

Kershaw, Ian. (2010) Hitler: A Biography