22 An Introduction to Clearer Thinkingsense, a realistic theory of truth. The correspondence theory
contends that if an idea squares with the reality, then that idea is
true. For example, if one has an idea that Boston is north of
Providence, that idea is true if the idea corresponds to the
physical reality of the relationship of those two cities. If a person
talks of Shangri-La, an ideal place, a perfect land, the inability
to make that idea correspond to the reality requires that we
acknowledge Shangri-La to be a myth, a utopian dream— not a
reality. Whenever an idea can be validated by the fact the idea
presumes, we have truth.
The pragmatic theory of truth asserts that if it works, it’s true.
The way we determine truth is by the efficacy of action proven
by results. It is true for example, that aspirin relieves headache
pain. One has a headache, takes two aspirin, and the headache
pain subsides. It follows pragmatically that the contention that
aspirin relieves headache pain is true. This simple example may
convince people of the validity of the pragmatic theory. In more
complex areas, however, the concept of negative pragmatism is
advanced; that is, if it doesn’t work it can’t be true. If one has a
headache, takes aspirin, and the pain subsides, it could be
because the pain was subsiding of its own accord, that the act of
taking the aspirin triggered a psychological response which
relieved the pain, or some other factor. Thus, one might assume
pragmatically an erroneous conclusion. If, however, you have a
headache, take aspirin, and the pain continues, you can be
certain, according to negative pragmatism, that it is true the
aspirin did not work.
The existential theory o f truth contends that individuals create
truth by choosing it. There are no truths independent of man; man
is, in fact, the measure. Truth is subjective; each person chooses
those truths which are important to him. And each man is free to
choose, and in one sense, that freedom is the essence of truth. The
basic tenet of existentialism, existence precedes essence, im
plies that there are no essential truths except within the particular
existence of individuals. Obviously, existentialists do not reject
the idea of physical reality, they do not bang their heads against
stone walls— but— the essential nature of things is determined
by the individual. Only the individual can determine the essen
tial worth (value) of banging one’s head against a wall.
The preceding theories are some of the more common ap