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What is Objective Truth Value?

Published in Truth Value 4 mins read

Objective truth value refers to whether a statement or belief is true or false based purely on reality and facts, independent of any individual's feelings, opinions, or perspectives. It signifies that the truth of a claim is inherent in the subject matter itself, rather than being determined by the observer.

Understanding Objectivity in Truth

At its core, objective truth value is about external verification. When we speak of objective truth, we are emphasizing that the validity of a statement does not rely on who believes it or says it, nor on their personal state of mind. As defined, the words "objective truth are a reminder that the truth of a belief or statement is entirely a matter of how things are with its object, and has nothing to do with the state of its subject – the person who has the belief or makes the statement."

This means:

  • Reliance on the Object: The truth value is determined by "how things are with its object"—the subject matter being discussed. For example, the statement "The Earth is round" derives its truth value from the actual shape of the Earth, not from whether someone believes it to be flat.
  • Independence from the Subject: It "has nothing to do with the state of its subject"—the individual. A statement's objective truth remains constant regardless of who is asserting it, their emotions, biases, or cultural background.
  • Universal Applicability: If something is objectively true, it is true for everyone, everywhere, at all times, given the specific conditions.

Objective Truth vs. Subjective Truth

To further clarify objective truth value, it's helpful to contrast it with subjective truth value.

Feature Objective Truth Value Subjective Truth Value
Basis of Truth Independent of the individual's mind or feelings Dependent on the individual's perceptions, emotions, or beliefs
Source of Truth External reality; verifiable facts and evidence Internal experience; personal preference or opinion
Universality True for everyone, regardless of their perspective Varies from person to person; personal to the individual
Verifiability Can be proven or disproven through empirical evidence or logical reasoning Not verifiable externally; based on individual experience
Examples "Gravity causes objects to fall."
"The chemical symbol for water is H2O."
"This song is beautiful."
"Coffee tastes better than tea."

(For more on subjective truth, explore concepts like personal preference or emotional truth.)

Practical Examples of Objective Truth Value

Understanding objective truth value is crucial in many fields, from science to law. Here are some practical insights:

  1. Scientific Laws: The statement "Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) at standard atmospheric pressure" holds objective truth value. This fact is demonstrable and verifiable regardless of who observes it.
  2. Historical Events: "World War II ended in 1945" is an objectively true statement. Its truth value is based on historical records and events, not on individual opinions or interpretations of the past.
  3. Mathematical Principles: "2 + 2 = 4" possesses objective truth value. It is a fundamental principle of arithmetic that holds true universally, independent of cultural or personal beliefs.
  4. Physical Properties: "The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second." This is an objectively measured and verified constant of the universe.

Why Objective Truth Matters

The concept of objective truth value is fundamental to:

  • Science: It forms the bedrock of the scientific method, which seeks to uncover facts about the natural world that are independent of human perception.
  • Logic and Philosophy: It allows for coherent reasoning and the pursuit of knowledge that can be shared and agreed upon.
  • Law and Justice: Legal systems strive for objective truth to determine guilt or innocence based on evidence, not personal bias.
  • Reliable Communication: When we communicate, our ability to understand each other often relies on a shared understanding of objective facts.

In essence, objective truth value provides a stable and verifiable foundation for knowledge, allowing us to build a shared understanding of reality.