Theories of truth

This theory plays a vital role in scientific method; we trust in the system of science itself to come to a tentative conclusion on what is true and known about the world.

• correspondence theory

• coherence theory

• consensus theory

• pragmatic theory

This theory is most concerned with ‘practical consequences’, not theoretical ones.

• correspondence theory

• coherence theory

• consensus theory

• pragmatic theory

What is true is what matches observable reality.

• correspondence theory

• coherence theory

• consensus theory

• pragmatic theory

We ask "does it work?" instead of "is it true?"

• correspondence theory

• coherence theory

• consensus theory

• pragmatic theory

Arguments must flow logically from premises and intermediate propositions.

• correspondence theory

• coherence theory

• consensus theory

• pragmatic theory

We conduct an experiment to verify a hypothesis.

• correspondence theory

• coherence theory

• consensus theory

• pragmatic theory

Is the author believable? Can I come up with a test to see if the author’s argument works?

• correspondence theory

• coherence theory

• consensus theory

• pragmatic theory

[Bonus] This theory leaves open the possibility that all our beliefs could mutually support each other when all of them were in fact false. (two words; do not capitalize the first letters)

[Bonus] The theory cannot help us in determining the truth of claims that human beings cannot measure or do not have direct experience. (two words; do not capitalize the first letters)

[Bonus] This theory implies that there are no unchanging absolute truths. (two words; do not capitalize the first letters)