We tend to see truth as the only and true source of knowledge. Truth is formulated by the human mind’s defined understanding of the order of things around us, so it cannot be unequivocally stated that truth is merely a correspondence between facts and reality. Although it often coincides with empirical evidence, there are areas where truth is subjective and linked to personal or cultural beliefs. Truth encompasses not only the observable and measurable aspects of the world, but also the values and beliefs developed or inherited in the course of human life that shape our understanding of the world in which we live.
In terms of a person’s ability to understand what is going on around them, truth cannot be put into a strict frame, but requires an open awareness of one’s own beliefs and, if necessary, a willingness to engage in dialogue when two truths do not coincide. People tend to have different experiences and different knowledge, which significantly changes their perspective on the truth as a whole. The result of dialogue will not always be the desired outcome, because in the current form of understanding the world, the outcome is a trade-off of indeterminate size between differing points of view.
Religion is an additional dimension in the understanding of truth, where beliefs, faith and spirituality influence the perception of truth. Although religious truths are not always consistent with empirical evidence, they are important for individuals and communities in shaping their identity, values and moral frame. In a world where there are many different religions, which tend to be radically different from each other, it is not easy to find a compromise on all topics of interest to society.
The search for truth requires intellectual humility – the recognition that our understanding is always evolving. It fosters a constant search for knowledge and an openness to challenging prejudices. In this way, truth becomes a dynamic force, guiding us towards intellectual growth. Truth is not only a philosophical or intellectual concept, but also a moral compass. Adherence to truth is part of ethical conduct and the well-being of society.
My subjective assessment of truth is that it is a knowledge base that makes me feel good in the present moment, but that does not mean that this knowledge base will not change, i.e. it will change and so will my understanding of truth. Everything else is a compromise that has to be accepted in order to fit in with the different visions of the world.
