What Then Is Truth?
by: Gene Barnes
During the Middle Ages, religion came to be regarded as the principal source of truth. Since the Enlightenment, science has come to be regarded by many people as the most reliable source of truth. But, in fact, most people regard their own personal experience as the best source of truth. InWhat Then Is Truth? these different viewpoints are each represented by articulate philosophers—St. Thomas Aquinas, René Descartes, and Jean-Paul Sartre—in a philosophical dialogue moderated by Socrates. Each philosopher may use a knowledge of all past history in support of his views. The object of the dialogue is not to produce a winner, but to stimulate the reader’s interest in the nature of truth and to show that the consideration of opposing viewpoints can enhance our understanding.What Then Is Truth? is a fictional conversation between St. Thomas Aquinas, René Descartes, Jean-Paul Sartre and Socrates about the nature of Truth. Each philosopher presents his own ideas about Truth and defends them against opposition of the other philosophers. During the conversation, they discuss a wide variety of topics, including the roles of religion, education, scientific explanation and human rights. In the later chapters, Jesus and Buddha join the conversation and explain their respective views. This book is suitable for anyone having an interest in philosophy and its applications to modern problems. It is especially recommended for those with a limited formal background in philosophy because its informal conversational style makes the subject more readily accessible to the average reader. The author's intention is not to provide final answers about the nature of Truth, but to encourage a wider, better informed discussion of these issues among the general public.
