Are All Truths Relative, or Are There Absolute Truths?
The concept of truth is a fundamental aspect of human existence, yet its nature is often debated. Some argue that all truths are relative, influenced by personal belief and societal norms. Others contend that there are enduring, absolute truths that transcend these subjective interpretations.
One of the most absolute truths in many religious and philosophical contexts is the belief that truth is, indeed, absolute. Absolute truth is not subject to change and is consistent across all times and places. For instance, the mathematical and logical truths—assertions like “2 24” and statements about the impossibility of a bachelor being married—are examples of this unchanging reality. These truths are not dependent on belief or perception; rather, they are inherent in the nature of the universe.
Religious and Philosophical Perspectives on Absolute Truth
Consider the absolute truth as articulated in Christian theology: the belief that God created the heavens and earth, incarnated as Jesus Christ, and that those who accept Him will have eternal life. This is a statement considered to be absolute and true, regardless of individual or societal beliefs. Other religious and philosophical texts also offer similar claims of absolute truths, rooted in divine revelation or human reasoning.
The Nature of Subjective Truth
On the other hand, most of our perceptions are subjective, influenced by our individual experiences, beliefs, and societal norms. For instance, what is considered ethical or moral can vary greatly depending on cultural and personal backgrounds. These subjective truths are fluid and can change over time or with new information.
Unchanging Absolute Truths and Their Implications
There are certain truths that remain constant, regardless of changing circumstances. These are often referred to as truisms or definitive truths. For example, aging is a reality that affects everyone, and the constancy of change itself is a profound truth. These truths are so pervasive and universal that they can often be dismissed as overly simplistic—clichés, in other words. However, it is precisely this universal applicability that makes them truths.
Religious Philosophy and the Unknowable Absolute
Many religious and philosophical teachings suggest that there is an absolute truth, sometimes referred to as Brahman in Hindu philosophy, which is unknowable and incomprehensible. This absolute truth is the ultimate reality that underlies everything. Despite this unknowability, our consciousness, which is inherently subjective, can recognize itself as self-luminous and self-evident. The introspective self, or the atman, sees itself as identical to this absolute truth.
Personal Experience and Absolute Truth
The concept of absolute truth can be paradoxical. While we perceive and experience truths through our subjective consciousness, the absolute truth itself is beyond comprehension. The Upanishads teach that one can only grasp this absolute truth through introspection and self-realization. In this sense, the absolute truth is both present and elusive, a guiding light within us that we can only recognize in its reflection.
From a societal and personal standpoint, understanding the nature of truth can offer profound insights into the interconnectedness of all things. Absolute truths can help us navigate the complexities of daily life, providing a framework for understanding the unchanging nature of existence.
Keywords: Absolute truth, relative truth, subjective truth