What exactly is “ Truth ” ? How is a “fact ” found, checked, evaluated , declared and defended as such ?
Is Truth a function of our Senses ? Or of our Perceptions ?
Or is it simply a function of what the “ Majority ” or Authority ( which, in a Democracy, is derived from Majority ) says at any given time ? Which could, of course, be based upon their senses and perceptions in turn.
In “ modern” times Copernicus was the first to make detailed observations and come to the conclusion that the Earth was not at the center of the Universe. This was initially around 1514 AD. He refined his thoughts further but agreed for them to be published only around 1542, perhaps fearing persecution . All along these times other astronomers and scientists kept validating his hypothesis but no one dared go against the “ majority view ” of the Catholic Church that the Earth was at the Center. He died in 1543 ,it is said due stroke induced coma.
Galileo defended Copernicus ideas . For the same, history tell us that ( around 1633- almost a HUNDRED years after Copernicus died ! ) :
* At a trial by Inquisition in Rome, he was found “vehemently suspect of heresy”, namely of having held the opinions that the Sun lies motionless at the centre of the universe, that the Earth is not at its centre and moves, and that one may hold and defend an opinion as probable after it has been declared contrary to Holy Scripture.
* He was required to “abjure, curse and detest” those opinions, was sentenced to formal imprisonment at the pleasure of the Inquisition and remained under House Arrest for the rest of his life.
* His offending publications were banned, including any he might write in the future.
So, the Majority decided the Truth and such was the fate of those who went against it !
THAT, perhaps, is the Only Truth !! It is a function of your perceptions and whether they are backed by the Majority / Authority View !
A friend sent across a Cartoon which puts this Truth across so well and succinctly that this whole line of thought was sparked. Find it up !
The Truth Is Out There !