Original scientific paper

Truth: A Multiple-Fit Theory

Joško Žanić ; Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

This theory tries to shed light on how we understand and use the notion of truth. It draws on some views of Putnam and Goodman, but it develops these views by claiming that truth is a matter of a statement fitting one or more of the following: the criterion of internal consistency; sensory data; data from memory; non-verbalized beliefs; other parts of discourse. The common cognitive structure, as delineated by Ray Jackendoff, that serves as a locus of convergence for meaning conveyed via language, background knowledge, perception, inference, etc. is identified as the medium of the fit that results in the “that’s true” effect. The theory also claims that truth is a family, encompassing different kinds of truths. It is pointed out that truth has a normative dimension, which is cashed out as the possibility of challenge to truth-claims, which in turn presupposes a regulative ideal of universal human rationality.

Keywords

truth; multiple fit; normativity; cognitive structure

Hrčak ID:

49403

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/49403

Publication date:

3.2.2010.

Article data in other languages: croatian french german

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