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For what it's worth, this is a biased description of the term "liberal". It's based on negative prejudice and reasoning upon it will end in a contradiction of reasoning.Here is an interesting article (albeit from a political application) that bears on truth.
It is not an uncommon argument for a wife to complain to her husband, “You never talk to me”. To which the husband might respond, “What do you think we are doing now”. To analyze this exchange we might see the same language used for two different purposes. For the wife, language is used to express how she feels. For the husband language is used factually. Sadly, the husband often fails to recognize that it is up to him to translate his wife’s distress and take steps to verbally connect with her.
In the example above, both parties were speaking truth but in different ways. Using the example of when a liberal accuses Trump of being Hitler, we find a greater distortion of language than just expressing emotional distress. The basic problem is a different view of truth. One can see truth as an absolute and unchangeable description of reality. However, liberals often see truth as relativistic and more fluid. A flexible truth in support of what one wants or how one feels can be much more useful.
Another component to factor in understanding the trouble liberals have with truth can be found with the word “hypocrisy”. Derived from the Greek meaning to “speak from under a mask”, we tend to think of the word as intentional deception such as the actors art. However, the warning Jesus gave his disciples about this touches a more profound aspect, that of self-deception. This may be more similar to an actor who “gets lost in his part”. In the Seinfeld TV show George Costanza attempting to condense his expertise in lying tells Jerry, “It’s not a lie if you believe it”.
We are all born helpless, ignorant, and selfish. We rely on our parents to help us learn to see truth, develop self-discipline, and navigate a potentially hostile world. Liberals are like children who never learned to see truth or have regressed to a childish state. One can see the appeal of the irrational to a child. For example, the prospect of unlimited ice cream might induce a child to agree with anything. Similarly, the appeal of communism (when presented as “everyone can have everything all the time”) has a strong appeal.
Perhaps Jesus warned his disciples against self-deception because it is a prison that one seldom escapes. Without the ability or desire to see truth no amount of failure can put a dent into utopian dreams. Liberals lie because it helps them get what they want and makes them feel good. In the artifical world their childish imagination has created this is as real and true as unicorns, free beer, forgiven student debt, endless government borrowing, and unrestrained sensual indulgences. Those who would threaten this world are enemies that need to be destroyed.
I think I see the problem. The term liberal in the sentence above is an adjective, so it will be qualified by what it is describing. The term liberal infers liberty. 'Liberalism' does not equate with atheism or practicing sin, however, the term sometimes intends to imply a sentiment of liberty from religious dogma.The liberal tradition from Italian Humanism through the so-called enlightenment and progressive ism, down to today has all been about the elevation of man over God. This distance from God does not enhance the ability to discern truth.
Are ones individual perceptions a reality?There's only one reality, the one we all live in together.
Your act of perception is a fully real event of course.Are ones individual perceptions a reality?
Define reality
No, as people have mentioned, we do not directly apprehend reality. But I assume I'm not a brain in a vat or deluded by demons into perceiving something totally different from reality. Our senses give us a way to interrogate reality. We may be liable to optical illusions or other mistakes in perception, but with careful observations and thoughtfulness, we can piece together certain facts or truths about reality that are reliable. So that we feel justified in saying that it's not just true, but we know it is true.Are ones individual perceptions a reality?
Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. Philip K. DickDefine reality
Ah, gotcha!No, as people have mentioned, we do not directly apprehend reality. But I assume I'm not a brain in a vat or deluded by demons into perceiving something totally different from reality. Our senses give us a way to interrogate reality. We may be liable to optical illusions or other mistakes in perception, but with careful observations and thoughtfulness, we can piece together certain facts or truths about reality that are reliable. So that we feel justified in saying that it's not just true, but we know it is true.
Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. Philip K. Dick
It's the place we all live.
Thanks for the response!Your act of perception is a fully real event of course.
But your internal experience may vary widely in its correspondence to external reality. And even your most realistic apprehension is an extremely incomplete picture.
(Reality is whats actually happening)
Our perceptions are an interpretation of reality. Some are demonstrably more accurate than others, but we don't have access to the entirety of truth. Considering the scope of our knowledge and the many ways that truth can be defined. I think objective reality nevertheless exists. Even if we only perceive parts of it.Are ones individual perceptions a reality?
You are a brain in a meat bag. Arguably similar to a brain in a vat. Each of us interprets reality through the lens of our own experience, culture, education, disposition, etc.No, as people have mentioned, we do not directly apprehend reality. But I assume I'm not a brain in a vat or deluded by demons into perceiving something totally different from reality. Our senses give us a way to interrogate reality. We may be liable to optical illusions or other mistakes in perception, but with careful observations and thoughtfulness, we can piece together certain facts or truths about reality that are reliable. So that we feel justified in saying that it's not just true, but we know it is true.
I've always liked this quote. Especially when applied to virtual reality.Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. Philip K. Dick
I'll defer to the philosophers to untangle this properly, but I would look at it from this standpoint, with regards to Truth.Let's say, my favorite color is blue and my favorite meal is fried chicken.
My friend's favorite color might be black and her favorite meal is steak.
Both are "reality" to us, just different opinions and taste?
Or am I thinking too much about this subject?
Subjective vs objective reality?
No. We can simply say, "This appears to be real, and - from a practical standpoint - if I act as if it is real, so far it continues to turn out as expected. I might as well continue acting as if it is real, until something happens to make me reconsider."Do we just need to "trust" that it is real, in the same way we are?
So it is subjectively real.No. We can simply say, "This appears to be real, and - from a practical standpoint - if I act as if it is real, so far it continues to turn out as expected. I might as well continue acting as if it is real, until something happens to make me reconsider."
Are you aware of the arguments for and against solipsism?Does reality exist separate from those who perceive it? How is this proven?
Do we just need to "trust" that it is real, in the same way we are?
This is Ethics and Morality not Christian Ethics and Morality.Funny how the focus is on man’s truth and not God’s
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