On the Truth
October 8th, 2007 | by Ced Solidon |There are several versions of the truth. This fact is illustrated by Akira Kurosawa’s film ‘Rashomon‘ wherein a story of rape and murder is told by four different people which results in conflicting accounts of the story.
Borrowing the concept from the movie, there is a thing called ‘Rashomon effect‘ in the field of Psychology. The effect refers to the effect of subjectivity of perception on recollection. That is to say, how a person views the world can affect how he or she recalls something.
With those things in mind, can we say that there isn’t any hope in our pursuit of the truth? No, there is hope of course. That hope lies in the facts that we try to unearth, for it is by facts that our claims become concrete. Without facts, the accusations that we hurl become petty and useless for any kind of discourse that aims to achieve something. By having facts at hand, we come closer to the truth than our mere personal version of it.
But aside from facts, it is important too to get the statements from the other side of the fence, so to speak. Not only can this paint a better picture of the situation, it is also done to be fair with everyone. It is unfair to hurl accusations at mute parties who cannot react to what they are being accused of.
Now, we have two things: supplying our claims with facts and getting the reaction of the other side. This is my challenge to everyone who want to put a claim on something on this blog.
Instead of merely making claims on the comments box, I dare people to write something for the blog and put their names on it. There is no use hiding behind the thin veil of a code name that one gives himself or herself. More than just a longer version of one’s comments in the box, the article should be filled with facts which would support the writer’s claims. If the writer doesn’t want to supply the reaction of the other side, I personally can do it for him or her, or if the other party reads the article, they too can write their reaction on the post. That way, the discussions here are not reduced to mere rants and whines, but something that would be really meaningful.
Not to sound like a stern warning, this article is in fact a positive challenge to everyone of us here. In this blog, let us not try to sugarcoat things that are really bitter, nor should we resort to mudslinging in place of level-headed arguments and discussions.
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Ced Solidon started the team blog. He currently works as a freelance writer. Aside from that, he also maintains a writing blog, Write Like a Rock Star! He loves to read books and play music.
6 Responses to “On the Truth”
By Lance on Oct 10, 2007 | Reply
Actually, truth is one and cannot be varied. When we say that the “truth” varies according to the way people perceive, obssrve or even believe them is what we call subjective truth but what really matters is the objective truth: the truth which measures the “variations” of the truth according to the subjective perception. If truth will depend on how people see, observe or believe them, then it tantamount to saying that there is really no truth at all because everybody will just say “This is the truth for me!”
For example, when we say RED and the thing is really RED, we are telling the truth. A color-blind person might say the color is nor RED, or someone else who wish to confuse us would say the color is just pink. But when the thing is really RED the one who says it is RED is the one who speaks of the truth! There is no room for arguing that the color is not red. Truth is like that. It is not a matter of personal perception or belief, it is a matter of what reason dictates. Man having been given the faculty of the intellect has that duty to always follow what reason dictates and when reason says something is red, or when something is immoral, then man has to abide by it.
Perhaps what “Rashomon” would like to express is that the truth can be diluted when we allow people to assert their own versions of it. There will always be the real truth that would measure every perception, every belief, every stand. When one’s truth does not measure up to what the reason dictates, it is time to ask the guidance of those who have advanced in the search for truth. It is dangerous to dwell on what one believes to be true when it is proven to be against reason.
A concrete example of this is the issue on marriage particularly about same sex marriage. The truth on the matter is that reason dictates that the proper partnership must be between a man and a woman, not between a man and a man or a woman and a woman. This truth cannot be twisted even by the fact that physiological mistakes must have caused someone to be born a woman instead of a man, and vice versa. Truth cannot be twisted by the claim to “love” because real love is based on truth and only those abude by the truth could really love.
Use of contraception is also against the truth because reason dictates that sex is by nature an opportunity to produce offsprings. It is not a mere recreational facility.
Abortion is also against the truth because reason dictates that life is intended to grow and develop and only end in due time because of age or sickness not because of another human being’s decision to end it.
War is against the truth because reason dictates that harmony and peace is by far better towards the attainment of progress and development that would bring greater benefits to mankind.
Many times we fail to appreciate the truth, the real truth, unless we become directly affected by the negative effects of not living up to it - until such time that we are devastated by war itself, until such time that we cannot bear children anymore after one or a few abortions, until such time when our children suffer the trauma of separation because husband and wife decided they are not really meant for each other, etc etc.
Truth, the Bible says, sets us free. Unless we stand up for it and live by it, then we shall never be spared from the troubles that come to those who choose to live by their own perception of what is true!
God bless us all!
By Ced Solidon on Oct 10, 2007 | Reply
Let me put it this way, there could be a thing as objective truth, but we can directly point to it because each of us has his or her own version of it. What I’m trying to point out is that, let us try to hear the opinion of everyone because, hopefully, it would paint for us a better picture of the situation and again, would hopefully take us closer to the truth.
By Lance AC Acampado on Oct 11, 2007 | Reply
Of course we should. However people must understand that the objective truth is the measure of all “truths” and so one must always look for it and not hold on to his or her personal or subjective truth because if he or she does then it would have sad consequences. Example of this is when lawmakers would make a law that would only suit their subjective view of what is the “truth” without really searching for the ultimate and real truth like on the issues of life, marriage and family.
It is right to give people their side of the story but we must not stop on this point alone. Doing so would defeat the purpose of discussing it.
Man has been given the power of the intellect so that reason would rule over emotion, passion and the lower appetites. Even animals have been given instincts so that the lower appetites could be controlled at least by time, condition and other parameters. How much more with man who is considered as the highest form of animal?
No argument on getting all the sides of every issue. But we must always seek for the truth which sets us free, and be ready to accept this truth, however painful to the ego, because only when the real and the ultimate truth is followed that man (and woman) truly manifest his (her) humanity and rationality.
God bless us all.
By Fhen Macabasag on Oct 11, 2007 | Reply
This is an interesting take-up about the psychological concept termed as “Rashomon effect.”
Solidon describe Rashomon effect as “effect of subjectivity of perception on recollection.” After which, he came up with the elusive “truth.” Acampado intervened in discussing the colossal topic of Solidon’s truth and argued about the philosophical signifiers of “subjective truth” and “objective truth.” — This drove me to review my philosophy books and manuals.
Further on, Acampado insisted that there is only one “truth,” and that it is not varied. Somehow, that challenges Solidon’s quoted Rashomon effect, which to Acampado is nothing but the “truth can be diluted when we allow people to assert their own versions of it.”
Allow me to wrap-up Solidon’s commentary entitled, “On the Truth.” However, before I pursue my intellectual endeavor, so to speak, my “wrapping up” to the said commentary may also be categorized as “Rashomon effect,” for one thing, this may lead us to my subjective perception (in Acampado’s term “subjective truth”) on recollection to “On the Truth” article. So whoever wanted to question or challenge my “Rashomon effect” in this respect, you are much appreciated and welcomed in doing so.
So here goes my subjective truth:
Solidon posted this commentary in a reply to a certain Sinag’s striking article about the so-called militarization in the barrios here in Eastern Samar and the critical situations where the barrio folks experiences. Sinag exposed the tortures that the ordinary barrio civilians encounter in the hands of the military. Then again, Solidon interfered the “truth” behind Sinag’s accusation.
Solidon implicitly inquired: Is it really true? Do barrios in Eastern Samar inflicted by harassments and tortures from the uniformed military men?
As far as I can interpret, Solidon is seeking Acampado’s “objective truth” and not merely “subjective truth” pertaining to this concern. When Solidon employed the signifier “Rashomon effect,” he was somewhat reluctant to Sinag’s “truth” (more on “subjective truth”) and compelled Sinag to provide other “truth/s” in order to acquire the objective truth.
Solidon is skepic in Sinag’s possible Rashomon effect. He doubts on the objective truth of Sinag’s exposition.
In the closing argument, Solidon implies the need to share ideas, views and even opinions from “everyone.” He specifically said, “let us try to hear the opinion of everyone because, hopefully, it would paint for us a better picture of the situation and again, would hopefully take us closer to the truth.” In this aspect, I agree to Solidon that it is necessary to hear or listen to the sides of the concerned parties. Only through an open, diverse and critical sharing of many thoughts (the collection of even contradictory yet homogeneous views) can we attain Acampado’s objective truth.
By igna on Oct 12, 2007 | Reply
Ahh, the truth is illusive my friend. Like a mirage, you are just looking at the river-like surface. Consume all your senses and you will just be frustrated at the end. Make the best to discover it, and it is like chasing the wind.
Go on. Do what you want. Make all the efforts available…But I tell you solemnly, wasting of time, strenght and what else…is what you will get.
I am just frustrated…In a country like ours? Huh! My contention backed-up by many proofs that the TRUTH may not come yet….Not now.
By Lance AC Acampado on Oct 12, 2007 | Reply
Yes!