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Truth can be defined as a state of being in agreement with a certain reality , fact , event , original thing or a standard (Brien 36). Truth determination can be explained by a number of theories: correspondence theory argues that , for something to be true , there must be an evidence to prove it. Proponents of this perspective believe that , the truth of a phenomenon can be determined by how much accurately it explains the phenomenon. A judgment according to this theory can only be true if it corresponds with the external reality (Brien 36) . For example a claim that the White House is located in Washington , D.C. can only be true if the White House is actually located in Washington.
Consensus theory on the other hand argues that truth is that which is agreed upon by people while pragmatic theory believes that truth is that which is in agreement with the ideal limit which can be given a scientific belief on investigation. Mere consistency theory states that an individual is telling the truth if he is consistent hence does not contradict him/herself while strict consistency theory requires that statements are true if they are logically connected (Brien 37).
Truth as objective is an idea that certain things are always true while others are always false irrespective of people's belief. Truth is determined completely objectively most of the time since things will always happen regardless of what people believe . Things cannot happen the way people wished they do since if they did , the world would be chaotic and unpredictable (Brien 37).
On a practical every day level , people determine what is true by unknowingly or knowingly employing custom as a criterion of truth. In this criterion , people belief that they are doing the right thing if they do what is customary. People also allow emotions to guide them when they are determining the truth. A person relying on emotions does not respect evidence or facts (Brien 38). Some people also result to the use of instincts to determine truth though this criterion is indistinct and difficult to define hence not appropriate. Majority rule which has been used by many to determine truth is a poor method and only good for respecting democracy. Traditions have also been used to determine truth. According to the proponents of this theory , a phenomenon that has been held for generations is true (Brien 39).
Intersubjectivity is a word used in sociology , philosophy and psychology to describe a condition between subjectivity and objectivity. Intersubjectivity can be simply interpreted as agreement. Based on this perspective then , we say there is intersubjectivity between two people if they agree on a certain set of meanings. Intersubjectivity can also be taken to refer to common sense. If two people share common sense , then according to this perspective they share a definition of the situation (Brien 40).