Truth: The Correspondence Theory Of Truth

Epistemology, philosophically, is the study of knowledge. To ascertain knowledge, one must possess the ability to determine truth and falsity. If it is not unclear whether something is actually true or not, then no viable knowledge can arise. Attempting to discern knowledge without truth can be likened to taking a test when neither the subject nor the material was learned. There was no study material on which to base the student’s answers for the test just as there is no truth on which to base knowledge. In order for a statement or belief to be proven to be true or false, there exists the need for a foundation on which to build the rules for determining its truth or falsity. The Correspondence Theory of Truth aims to build this foundation. The Theory is an epistemic theory that essentially seeks to define what is meant by the words true and false. …show more content…
In other words, this ‘world’ would exist whether or not there was anyone there to sense it. Coupled with the above, the theory clarifies that a given statement is only true if what is states corresponds with something contained within this independent reality. Correspondence theorist and modern philosopher Bertrand Russell, in addition, sets two other parameters for truth: (1) truth questions must have an opposite which is generally falsehood; (2) truth questions must concern beliefs because only beliefs can be falsifiable and without falsifiability there can be no truth. In his book The Problems of Philosophy Russell aims to further elucidate the correspondence of fact and belief initially by