Theory of Knowledge: Different Cultures, Different Truths - Essay Example

Theory of Knowledge: “Different cultures have different truths”. "A truth is that which is accepted universally". What are the implications for knowledge of agreeing with these opposing statements? The two statements oppose each other in meaning but the important point to understand is the fact that both these statements outline the acceptability issues related with people, who are part of the respective cultures as well as the universe. This is significant since for people hailing from almost any region of the world, it is pertinent to know what they value and what aspect of life holds supreme importance for them. It is only when one gains the much needed information about them, then can one devise the way through which they could be treated in an equal and fair enough manner. The first statement that different cultures have different truths is based on the premise that a society would not think something to be of concrete value and significance if it is not in line with its beliefs and thinking ideologies. However it would provide more value to the aspects that have direct or indirect bearing on the cultural prerogatives. This is absolutely in line with the way in which people interact and communicate with each other within the specific culture that we are talking about here. Cultural settings impart a great deal of value and importance on the way in which truth is in essence manifested. Indeed this holds weight since truth is something that is defined in a number of varied ways as we study the cultures of the world – no matter where they are being observed or what kind of people in reality follow the very same. (Vardy, 1999) Cultural values have a great deal of emphasis on the way people of that very culture and setting think, feel and act. This is in line with the preaching that has been in line with their thinking regimes. They give cent percent commitment and devotion to such teaching mannerisms and think in the same vein as do their fellow cultural brothers and sisters. The second statement suggests that truth is only applicable when it is acclaimed globally and it is significant for its existence to have recognition and acceptability from all over the world. This is a very valid statement since it provides equal rights to the people all over the world and gives them a chance to understand the nature of the truth and the manner in which it exists all over the world. It unites the people of the world and brings them to a single platform – where all of these people accept that truth is something that could be accepted by everybody or no one at all. This is a reality that truth must be accepted by people on a personal level to be called and hailed as truth in the first place. Consequently what it does is to have a greater deal of patience on the part of the people when the truth brings out its ramifications and outcomes and it has been generally seen that people are more receptive to the changes which arise in the wake of the same. Truth does not emanate from the reasoning yet it is hidden somewhere close to it. The only facilitation which can be had in the line of seeking the truth is to find out where it actually exists and then to ponder upon the manner in which it can be determined and extracted. Truth is difficult to find out yet easy to manage once it is received well by the recipient. The single most dominating thing in the whole discussion related with truth is that truth is difficult to manage for the people who have one thing or the other linked with it. Truth in itself is a complex proposition so to speak. The most amazing aspect related with truth is that it could be found where it is least expected and it can be judged in different contexts by the people who are in search of the facts in entirety. Truth is something that has to do a lot with the inner working methodologies of the minds of the people who are finding it out rather than the actual activities, events and processes which make sure that the truth gets hidden, only to be found later by these people with their concerted and dedicated endeavors. Truth is understandable only when the need is to find out the actual basis and not just for solving a mystery related with the happening or event. Truth depends a great deal on the personal desire to know the facts and intricate details which are so very necessary if seen in the proper perspectives. (Rogers, 1923) The society of present times focuses more and more on the implied meaning, a rational which seems to be playing all sorts of tricks on them. The pressures that seem to come from different angles somehow or the other hide the truth that is there for one and all to see. In this scenario, what is present is indeed termed as the eventual truth; however what the real true basis is in essence is made unclear and hence concealed for reasons known to the authorities who are there to find out. More often than not, they end up hiding it from the people for which they were installed in the first place – to make sure the truth comes out clean and clear. Truth holds within it the realities and facts that are non-understandable for a commoner when the event or happening takes place but becomes so much more clear and lucid as time passes by and there is hope within the related ranks for understanding what was said before and what is being said then and thus the comparison brings out a host of options to choose from, which in the end makes sure that the truth is there for all and sundry to witness. Thus truth is something which will make its way sooner rather than later as it cannot be hidden for long from the people who are linked with it in one way or the other. All said and done, the task of finding the truth must be allotted to the people who understand the deep psychic meaning of life and the way in which human beings interact with each other since these are the departments where truth actually exists. References Vardy, Peter. (1999). What is Truth? University of New South Wales Press Rogers, Arthur K. (1923). What Is Truth? An Essay in the Theory of Knowledge. Yale University Press Word Count: 1,071 Read More