A Series of Essays on Truth – to be posted once a week over the next several weeks.

ABSOLUTE TRUTH

“In general, absolute truth is whatever is always valid, regardless of parameters or context,” – Robert Sheldon

Here is an illustration so simple, it just seems silly: The math teacher writes on the board: “1+1=?”  One student answers correctly. But another member of the class says, “that was last week.” Another says, “in my neighborhood the answer isn’t the same.” There ensues a discussion that leaves the problem without an absolute answer.

Whatever might be observed about modern education, new math and the subjective leanings of academia, there is one correct answer, and that answer has always been valid, “regardless of parameters of context.”

Now let’s change the illustration. In a college level biology class, the question is raised: HOW MANY GENDERS ARE THERE? Fifty years ago there would have been a quick answer that would have sparked no serious debate. What has changed?

In an issue of Women’s Health (published July 6, 2022), the author listed 16 genders. Perri O. Blumberg holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Columbia University and her work has appeared in the New York Post, Men’s Journal, Oprah Daily, and Southern Living. *

And I would offer that her number of 16 is, of course, not absolute. Going forward, the “number of genders” will likely be fluid, ever changing, and we will hear this in terms of “my truth” and “your truth.”

It is being argued today that culture, personal choice, context, perception and imagination precludes absolute truth. So if you have two apples, do you really have two?

Arguments against absolute truth are actually arguments against truth! It is beyond fuzzy logic or sentimental appeals to affirm everybody and everything. It is an assault against the truth itself.

“Truth is discovered, not invented. It exists independent of anyone’s knowledge of it. (Gravity existed prior to Newton.)  Truth is transcultural; if something is true, it is true for all people, in all places, at all times (2+2=4 for everyone, everywhere, at every time).  Truth is unchanging even though our beliefs about truth change. Truth is not affected by the attitude of the one professing it. (An arrogant person does not make the truth he professes false. A humble person does not make the error he professes true.)  All truths are absolute truths.”

Geisler, Norman L.; Turek, Frank. I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist (Foreword by David Limbaugh) (pp. 37-38). Crossway. Kindle Edition.

* Source: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/relationships/a36395721/gender-identity-list/

AFTER THOUGHT: If someone claims there is no absolute truth, ask if that claim is absolutely true!