Mind Tyranny: What is Truth?

Do you find yourself wondering, "What, if anything, do I really know?" If yes, then you and I will be able to take this journey together. If no, then you are likely deceiving yourself into thinking that you have answers to questions about which you have given little reflection.

In the account often referred to as Jesting Pilate, we find the following exchange: "Jesus answered, 'For . . . I have come into the world . . . to bear witness to the truth. . ..' Pilate said to him, 'What is truth?'" (Quid est veritas?)

Ted Williams said, "If you don't think too good, don't think too much." Most of us, unfortunately, "don't think too good." (sic.) We assume that our thinking is predicated on our cognitive processes. However, very frequently, our thoughts are not our own.

Propaganda is information, especially of either a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular cause or point of view. Are we being educated or propagandized? Albert Einstein defined education as "what remains after one has forgotten everything one has learned in school.

It is very important that we have some knowledge of the motivation behind the "professor" of information/knowledge that is conveyed. Are they attempting to inform, convince or persuade?  Perhaps, they are intentionally attempting to deceive.

Some individuals appear to have no interest in what they are saying. However, it may be imprudent to conclude that they are not lying. As Blaise Pascal said, "Some people lie for the mere sake of lying."

If you are like me, you are finding it increasingly difficult to find reporting that is not tinged with bias. Years ago, while serving on the faculty of a graduate university, I was assigned to the Research Department.  Although never fully successful, researchers learn to seek equipoise (i.e., neutrality in the results derived from the research conducted).

This is often very difficult to attain if there are strong vested interests in the outcome. I vividly recall one research project that I initiated, at which time, another faculty member stated, "It's been nice knowing you, Tom."

When I first decided to discuss this topic, I thought that we might be able to address the issue relatively easily. However, there is much more that we must discuss to do the topic justice.

Have you ever wondered whether truth is viewed the same, irrespective of where on the planet it is being discussed? Research has revealed that Westerners place more emphasis on individual rights. Easterners appear to place more emphasis on social responsibility.

If you wish to explore this further, join me in future posts.