Question

Explain the four truth tests and illustrate each with an example of a belief that would be true by its standard. Explain specific theories

Answer 1

According to the correspondence theory of truth: a belief is true if there exists an appropriate entity – a fact – to which it corresponds. If there is no such entity, the belief is false.

The criterion for testing truth-claims which, which offer us the best chances of determining true beliefs when used together are:

1. Internal Coherence; this is a test for rational consistency and it ensures if a belief makes sense? It determines if the beliefs are rationally consistent within themselves and in perspective to others beliefs i.e. the worldview. For example; the belief that all “knowledge” is scientific knowledge, is self-defeating because the belief itself is not a scientific statement.  
2. External Correspondence the belief should fit the facts of reality. The proposed truth-claims must have explanatory power i.e. the ability to give an account of our experience of the world. For example, we can test a worldview can for its ability to explain cosmological questions like; the origin of the universe.
3. Functional Adequacy; tests the livability of a truth-claim as a belief i.e. does it work in real life? Thus a belief must incorporate and meet the deepest human needs.
4. Comprehensive in scope; the explanatory power of truth-claims should be better than alternative theories.