Self-evident truths

Definition

Self-evident truths are propositions or beliefs that are considered obvious and require no further proof or justification. They serve as foundational beliefs that people accept as true without needing external validation, playing a crucial role in establishing a base for further knowledge and understanding.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Self-evident truths can vary between individuals or cultures, as what is considered obvious may depend on personal or societal beliefs.
2. In epistemology, self-evident truths are important because they help establish a starting point for knowledge claims, allowing for a structured approach to understanding reality.
3. Many philosophers argue that self-evident truths must be universally accepted to function effectively as a foundation for further beliefs.
4. Examples of self-evident truths include basic logical principles such as 'a thing cannot both exist and not exist at the same time.'
5. Critics of self-evident truths claim that reliance on them can lead to dogmatism, where beliefs are held without question due to their perceived obviousness.

Review Questions

• How do self-evident truths relate to the concept of foundationalism in epistemology?
  • Self-evident truths are central to foundationalism because they provide the basic beliefs that form the groundwork for a person's knowledge system. Foundationalists argue that these truths are accepted without requiring further justification and act as the starting point from which other beliefs can be logically built. This connection emphasizes the importance of having certain beliefs that can be universally acknowledged as true to support more complex ideas.
• Discuss the implications of varying interpretations of self-evident truths across different cultures and how this affects knowledge systems.
  • Varying interpretations of self-evident truths can significantly impact knowledge systems, as different cultures may prioritize distinct beliefs as obvious. This cultural relativity can lead to conflicting foundational beliefs, making it challenging to establish universal knowledge frameworks. Understanding these differences is essential for fostering dialogue between diverse epistemic communities and recognizing that what one group views as self-evident may not be accepted by another.
• Evaluate the role of self-evident truths in fostering either skepticism or dogmatism within philosophical discourse.
  • Self-evident truths can foster skepticism when individuals question the legitimacy and universality of these so-called obvious beliefs. If someone believes that what is self-evident is subjective, they might become skeptical of widely accepted propositions. On the other hand, reliance on self-evident truths can lead to dogmatism, where individuals accept these beliefs without critical examination. This tension highlights the delicate balance between accepting certain foundational beliefs while maintaining an open-minded approach to knowledge acquisition.

Related terms

Foundationalism: A philosophical theory that suggests certain beliefs serve as the fundamental basis for knowledge, and self-evident truths are often included among these foundational beliefs.

Basic Beliefs: Beliefs that are accepted without needing evidence or proof, often seen as the building blocks of a person's belief system.

Epistemic Justification: The process of providing reasons or evidence to support a belief, which self-evident truths often bypass since they are accepted as inherently valid.