by M.D. Hennessey

Created on: October 06, 2008

Truth is defined as real, or conformity to reality. Famous quotes containing truth are everywhere: you can't handle the truth', the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth', etc. I believe two types of truth exist universal truths- truths everyone can agree on, and subjective truths one's own interpretation.

Universal truths are a cornerstone of the world around us. As the definition points out, truth is the conformity to reality. I believe this directly relates to universal truths because some things in the world just are. A right angle is 90 degrees. The sky is blue. Everyone eventually dies. If these truths were not universal, the world would be a very different and more chaotic place. Universal truths are also the basis of the sciences. If two plus two did not equal four, and helium was not an element, science would not be what it is today. And, in turn, if science was different, the entire field of medicine would be different.

Subjective truth makes up the other half in the realm of truth. Everyone interprets differently, thus one person's truth can be totally different than another person's truth. This raises the question, is there such thing as truth? If everyone sees things differently, then how can there be a truth? Subjective truth is seen everywhere in today's world. For instance, say a burglary occurred. One witness swears the perpetrator was 5 feet, while another testifies the criminal was 6 feet. Both believe they are telling the truth, however the interpretations are totally different. The same can be seen in any historical event. One historian may interpret a historical event completely different than another historian. Subjective truth is also seen in the American legal system. When witnesses are called to the stand, they attempt to relay their version of the truth to the jury, however 10 minutes later another witness could tell his version, and they could differ completely.

Truth is a very deep and broad topic. After writing this paper, I am simply questioning why. Why are some things how they are? Why is a right angle 90 degrees? I am sure there is some sort of mathematical definition, but how did the mathematical definition come to be? All truth does in my mind is raise seemingly unanswerable questions. However, in my life truth is a priority I try to tell my parents the truth, and base my friendships off of truth. I am going to base my marriage off truth.

In conclusion, I see truth in two ways subjective and universal. Both realms are important to everyday society, and without truth, society would be a very different place.

Learn more about this author, M.D. Hennessey.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.