Question

So the definition of truth is that p is true if and only if p. However, since the Liar Paradox states that p is true if and only if p is false, this is a contradiction. So the words truth and falsity are basically both poorly defined, and as such those words "don't exist" in a sense. However, one caveat is that changing definitions do not change the world. You cannot make Pluto bigger by calling it a planet. You cannot make slavery intrinsically good by calling it moral. So really, its not like the alethic nihilist denies things like snow is white. They just think we shouldn't use the word true, since it doesn't really have a proper defintion. Some believe that truth can be used in general but just not in certain scenarios where contradictions run. Alethic nihilists believe truth shouldn't be used at all because restricting in certain scenarios seems ad hoc. They think truth's poor definition and falsity's poor definition is proof enough that those words don't accurately exist in a sense. Am I correct?

Answer 1

Alethic nihilists believe the term 'true' is problematic due to paradoxes like the Liar Paradox, but traditionally, truth is seen as a statement matching reality. Truth can be viewed subjectively or objectively, with alethic nihilism leaning towards a form of skepticism about the concept of truth itself.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding the concept of truth necessitates grappling with vast philosophical debates, including the Liar Paradox and theories like alethic nihilism. Your interpretation of alethic nihilists, who suggest we abandon the use of the term 'true', is an exploration into the difficulties in defining truth. This philosophical stance arises from paradoxes that seemingly undermine an objective definition of truth.

Nonetheless, traditional perspectives on truth, such as those stemming from Aristotle, assert that a statement is true if it accurately describes reality. Statements like "snow is white" are believed to be objectively true, regardless of human definitions. Moreover, the practical implications of truth involve contrasting subjectivist and objective views, where pragmatists may view truth as a construct dependent on societal validation, whilst others argue for an objective reality that truths attempt to depict, irrespective of our ability to always ascertain them.