Theories of Validity of Knowledge
Definition:
Validated
or justified knowledge — knowledge backed with evidence — is called truth.
Purpose of Theories of Truth:
They aim to answer:
1. What
is truth?
2. How to
know the truth?
We check whether propositions or beliefs are true or
false by:
- Definitional
route: Defining “is true” to qualify a
proposition.
- Criterial
route: Justifying the application of “is true”
based on certain criteria.
1. Nature of Truth
- Similar
to asking: What is the underlying nature of gold? — Is it about the
property of being gold or the factual details about gold?
- Example:
- Definitional
route → “Gold” = element with atomic number 79.
- Criterial
route → Criteria (like solubility in Aqua Regia) must be met to call
something “gold”.
- In
philosophy, we often lack empirical access to truth like we have
with gold, so criterial route is preferred.
2. Theories Using Criterial Route
Main types:
1. Correspondence
Theory of Truth
2. Pragmatic/Utility
Theory of Truth
3. Semantic
Theory of Truth
4. Deflationary
Theories
2.1 Correspondence Theory of
Truth
Concept:
A proposition is true when it agrees with reality (facts match
statements).
- Example:
“Delhi is the capital of India” is true because it corresponds to fact.
Philosophers:
- St.
Thomas Aquinas: Truth = agreement between intellect and
reality.
- Bertrand
Russell: Beliefs are true/false based on whether
they correspond to states of affairs.
Types:
1. Correspondence
as Congruence → Every truth bearer (proposition) matches a
real state of affairs.
2. Correspondence
as Correlation → Structural match between truth bearer &
fact (like puzzle pieces fitting).
2.2 Pragmatic/Utility Theory of
Truth
Concept:
Truth is determined by practical success — what works is true.
Truth is linked to human experience and usefulness.
Philosophers:
- Charles
Peirce: Truth = belief that would ultimately be
agreed upon after sufficient investigation.
- William
James: Truth = usefulness + verification.
“Something is useful because it is true, and true because
it is useful.”
- John
Dewey: Ideas are plans for action, true if they
solve problems effectively.
2.3 Semantic Theory of Truth
Philosopher: Alfred Tarski
(1901–1983)
Concept:
Truth is defined in terms of semantic concepts like “satisfaction” using
formal logic/mathematics.
- Adequate
definition:
“X is true if and only if p” (where X = sentence, p = proposition).
Example: “‘Snow is white’ is true if and only if snow is white.”
Key Points:
- Limits
truth definition to formal languages (math, logic) — avoids
ambiguity of natural language.
- Argues
that truth = satisfying specific criteria.
2.4 Deflationary Theories
Concept:
Truth has no deep nature — saying “it is true that roses are red” is just
another way of saying “roses are red.”
- No
need to explain truth via correspondence or coherence.
Main Views:
- Frank
Ramsey’s Redundancy Theory: “is true” is
unnecessary.
- P.F.
Strawson’s Performative Theory: Saying “it is true” is
like a performative act, not a factual claim.
- Quine’s
Disquotation Theory: “It is true that p” = p.
- Minimalism:
No more to truth than asserting something.
In summary, the theories of validity demonstrate that knowledge is not merely a collection of facts, but a justified belief filtered through different lenses—whether it mirrors reality (Correspondence), functions effectively (Pragmatic), or satisfies logical structures (Semantic). For an educator, these theories confirm that "truth" in a classroom is multidimensional, requiring a balance between teaching objective facts and encouraging practical, problem-solving skills. Ultimately, understanding these philosophical foundations allows teachers to move beyond rote memorization, helping students develop a critical framework to verify and apply knowledge in the real world.
Related: Read the complete breakdown of Knowledge and its Dimensions here.
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Kirthi’s Exam Insight:
"To score full marks on the Theories of Validity, you must clearly contrast the Correspondence Theory with the Pragmatic Theory. In your exam, explain that Correspondence is about 'mirroring reality' (facts), while Pragmatism is about 'practical success' (what works).
Presentation Tip: Use a 'Philosopher’s Corner' list to associate theories with their thinkers—Bertrand Russell for Correspondence and William James for Pragmatism.
Topper’s Secret: Specifically mention William James’ famous quote: 'Something is useful because it is true, and true because it is useful.' Highlighting this 'circular logic' shows a deep philosophical understanding. Concluding that 'truth in the classroom is multidimensional' helps secure the highest marks by connecting abstract philosophy to practical teaching!"
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