Does absolute truth exist? | Steve Fuller, Åsa Wikforss, Peter Pomerantsev and Sacha Golob

Steve Fuller, Åsa Wikforss, Peter Pomerantsev and Sacha Golob examine monopolies on truth.

It seemed that we had all got used to the idea that rather than a single definitive truth there are a multiplicity of competing and alternative perspectives. Now with the rise of 'fake news' and the publicising of blatant lies, we want to reassert the importance of accuracy and truth.

Can we call out lies and deception while still allowing for radically different ways of seeing? Is there a difference between truth within a perspective, and truth that extends to all perspectives? Or should we simply conclude that postmodernism and relativism were a dangerous mistake?

#epistemology #posttruth #philosophy

Åsa Wikforss is a professor of theoretical philosophy at Stockholm University, and a member of the Swedish Academy. Wikforss does research in the intersection of philosophy of mind, language and epistemology and has published widely on a variety of topics in the area.

Steve Fuller is philosopher-sociologist in the field of science and technology studies. He has published in the areas of social epistemology, academic freedom, and the subjects of intelligent design and transhumanism.

Sacha Golob is a philosopher and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at King's College London, known for his expertise on Heidegger's thought.

Peter Pomerantsev is a journalist, author and TV producer. He is a Visiting Senior Fellow at the Institute of Global Affairs at the London School of Economics, where he co-directs the Arena program.

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What do you of this debate? Leave a comment below.

[QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“Sometimes people don't want to hear the truth because they don't want their illusions destroyed.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche

[QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.”
― Bertrand Russell

[QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“There are no facts, only interpretations.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche

[MrAndrew]

Yes, absolute truth does exist. The only variable in this respect is the extent to which it is understood, valued, appreciated and respected. It really is, no more complicated than that.

[peterdowney]

Sacha Golob is a University (London, no less) Professor of Philosophy. Sad, really.

[dennistucker]

Does absolute truth exist? I believe there are some absolute truths in this universe. I think the vast majority of truths are subjective. I would define the truth as "a belief that survives all challenges to it".

[brianscates]

There is no truth, and that's the truth; we are we are not; truth is only one choice amongst many - ad infinitum to the

[dejayrezme]

"Watch the full debate at..."
Ironic. There is truth. But you'll have to pay and sell your privacy to get it.

[lllULTIMATEMASTERlll]

Yes objective truth exists. It must. The negation is contradictory.

[orvilleraposo]

The Word of God in the Bible is the absolute truth. Whether you accept it or deny it it does not change. It is ETERNAL.

[battlehill]

2+2=4 that is ABSOLUTE Everything else is an opinion.