Truth. Is it somewhere in the middle? It’s a common argument used on these Twitter streets: somewhere between CNN & Fox & OAN & BBC & China News Agency lies THE “truth”

I can’t find who said it first, but here’s two takes on the same theme.

IMHSO1O it’s wrong and it’s right.

If we look at the origin of the English word “truth” it seems “good faith” and “solid” contribute bits to the meaning

If you look at theories of “truth”, they abound, the question of what truth is, has occupied philosophers, lawyers & barmen for centuries.

Certainly long before Jack let loose the little blue bird on the world.

And with 7 billion + humans walking the planet it’s a fair bet there will be more than 10 ideas on what truth is or isn’t!

Most NB how do we know?

Generally law has it as a mix of good process + evidence-linked substance, that’s shaped by reason and decided by peers/experts?

Here’s the thing the saying gets right: no-one has exclusive rights to THE “truth”. But each human certainly has a unique view on it

What the saying gets wrong: if the idea of a “middle” = midpoint on a continuum between 2 poles, midpoint = scientific/expert/popular consensus

However if the middle is the centre “field” of a circle of views, then yes most certainly THE truth lies somewhere in that field.

Where exactly?

Dialogue gives us a means, consensus gives us a clue, but not always.

The point is this. Truth isn’t the mid-point between binary poles of your choosing.

It’s a human construct.

As in plural, as in (only) relevant to our species.

Add a view and that truth field shifts.

Add power and truth will swear allegiance?