RE: Sophism examplified: The case of "The factual feminist"

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Sophism examplified: The case of "The factual feminist"

in philosophy •  8 years ago 

Interesting points. Before I dive into my thoughts, I'll preface by saying that I don't believe all facts are relative. However, my idea of objective fact is more limited.

First, I would like to present a few definitions for Truth.
A verified or indisputable fact, proposition, principle, or the like: mathematical truths.

  1. actuality or actual existence.
  2. an obvious or accepted fact; truism; platitude.
  3. accuracy, as of position or adjustment.
  4. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/truth

To 1 I say yes, absolutely. That is one thing Descartes and I agree on. 2, generally yes but these are usually "so what" kinds of truth. 3 would be true in the same way mathematical statements are true. Which brings us to:

It is universally accepted that the sky is blue, the sun is bright, and 1+1=2. These are objective truths that are not a matter of opinion.

and

There are laws in this world that are indisputable. Gravity exists, you can empirically experience it. It is indisputable that it exists.

Except for 1+1=2, these are empirical observations. We see the sky is blue and sun is bright, but what if this world is an illusion (the matrix if you must)? In that case there is really no sky or sun and the colors are arbitrary and may truly be different to everyone in the simulation depending on your configuration. Add to that, "bright" is absolutely a relative phenomenon. The sun is the brightest thing in the solar system, but there are surely stars in the universe that would over power our sun many times over. "blue," or any color for that matter, is a subjective experience. Don't believe me? Ask my wife, who apparently sees several distinct shades of color that do not exist to me.

Laws of the universe like gravity? It's indisputable that it exists? See the simulation hypothesis above. There is a deep epistemology argument lurking here that is beyond the scope of this discussion, but we can say "indisputable" is not true.

1+1=2? Yes, but this is true by definition. However, it is interesting to note that the symbols are arbitrary and should not be confused with the actual concepts "one" and "two". (Note, this probably is a bit of sophistry, but a fun bit). Take this statement: 1 + 1 = 10. True or false? Depends on the base you are using(2). 1 + 9 = 10? Wrong, it's A (16).

Obviously, denying facts like gravity, color, and arithmetic is highly unproductive for day to day life. My view of facts is that the definition of a fact is context dependent. Are we talking pure metaphysics and epistemology? In that case, the only fact I'll admit is my immediate experience (how's that for skepticism!). Are we discussing politics? There is a whole host of things about the world and basic human existence that we must accept as given (similar to axioms in mathematics) to have a political discussion.

When we enter into a discussion, we must have a basic level of agreement on how the world works for anything we say to make sense. Breakdowns occur where people do not agree on what facts can be accepted as unquestionably true. For example, many believe the identity of sex and gender is an objective fact and arguing against this type of person with statements like "gender is taught and a product of culture(aka "relative")" is like speaking in tongues. Is either person "wrong" in this case? I would be hesitant to label objective truth in an argument of this kind.

What is objectively true, is that if you have made it to the end of this rant, you have more patience than 99% of the human population.

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LOL. didn't take much patience to get through.

my point on the color blue is the wavelength not our precievd view of it. so you can call it any color name whatever but the wavelength is still the same we just happen to call it blue.
as for bright, maybe I shouldn't have used that word. more that the sun gives off light.
and as for the math, calling 2 a different name does not change the number of apples. the numbers are true no matter the symbol you use for them.

Now the simulatuion idea kind of see as sophomoric like the question of free will or even the god problem.

Also Im not to sure that the fact that this might be a simulation would change anything as for what is truth in the simulation. the simulation seems to have its laws just like the reality of no simulation.
it is an interesting conundrum.
It just makes my mind spin like trying to figure out if we have free will or if there is god or does a line ever end ect...

Would one apple in a box with another apple added make 2 apples if it was a simulation or would all math and truth be thrown out the door with the simulatition? wouldn't 1+1=2 out of the simulation still hold true?
I do have to say I cant picture something where simple math truths like 1+1=2 doesn't work in something based in what we call reality, or a reality.

I still don't see that because people can be ignorant of the truth, it must be relative.

I got a little to think about now I guess.
xD