TRUTH: What is it and how do we know?

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Meet Up

Truth: What is it and how do we know?

Truth seems like a basic concept we all understand, and yet for nearly 2,500 years—since the time of Socrates and Plato—Western philosophers have wrestled with the question: What is truth? Fascist, right-wing, authoritarian governance depends on the subordination of truth. And with fascism on the rise globally—including here in the United States—the fate of civilization may very well depend on our ability to distinguish truth from lies.

If that sounds hyperbolic, consider this: millions of Americans believe the 2020 election was stolen—that widespread voter fraud occurred, particularly in Democrat-run cities, and that Donald Trump was the rightful winner. They believe efforts to discredit this claim were simply gaslighting by an establishment desperate to remove Trump from power. That belief led directly to the January 6, 2021 insurrection that sacked our Capitol.

Trump has made a mockery of truth, even naming his social media platform “Truth Social,” where he regularly posts demonstrable falsehoods labeled as “truths.” Too few Americans believed—or cared—what was true, and as a result, Trump has been returned to power. So no, it is not hyperbolic to say that the fate of civilization depends on our relationship to truth.

At our June member gathering, we’ll grapple with the concept of truth. SHL member Tucker Lentz will deliver a two-part presentation. The first part will introduce four major philosophical theories of truth—correspondence, coherence, pragmatic, and postmodern. The second part will shift from abstract philosophy to considering science and journalism as practical methodologies for discovering truth.

Following the presentation, we’ll enjoy a pizza party and open forum to discuss these ideas and related topics. (Pizza consumption not required.)

We look forward to an evening of insight, conversation, and community. Please register so we can get an accurate headcount. See you there!