Logically, truth is a property of sentences. For example, "snow is white" is true if and only if snow is white. All this requires is that we mean the same things by the words we speak and that snow actually is white when we look at it. But what about perceptual illusions? If a stick dipped in water looks bent, is it true that it is bent? No, it is true that is looks bent, but when we touch it at the seemingly bent spot or pull it out of the water, we find that, in fact, the stick is not … [Read more...]

Could it be that every language game played by humans belongs to one of two basic types? Let's start exploring this idea by labeling the categories: Technical language is precise and scientific. As the language of facts, it requires coherence.Sentimental language is neither precise nor scientific. As the language of feelings, it requires valence. I reckon that much of human misunderstanding, including dissents on the nature of truth, stems from the confusion of these two kinds of language. … [Read more...]