Subjective Truth

Truth is inherently subjective. This shouldn't cause concern, as "subjective" does not diminish its reality. The phrase "I think, therefore I am" encapsulates the most undeniable form of reality. Under this framework, not all opinions carry equal weight, and some may even seem absurd.

Consider this: how can you be sure you weren't just born five minutes ago with fabricated memories? You can't. Attempting to resolve this with objective knowledge is futile, as the question itself becomes meaningless. Any evidence presented could be dismissed as an illusion. Even if you were shown your original birth certificate, a video of your birth, or the length of your telomeres, you could still question the authenticity of that evidence or whether you are hallucinating. Ultimately, you have no definitive way to know.

In a debate rooted in objective knowledge, the conversation might reach a standstill. However, when such inquiries arise from the perspective of truth, they highlight that truth (as opposed to incomplete knowledge) is a subjective experience. It is shaped by personal awareness rather than mere information. The only certainty that cannot be doubted is awareness itself, as the existence of any illusion would simply confirm that awareness is present. This is what constitutes completeness and, therefore, truth.

Virtual Reality and Science: A Complementary Relationship

Interestingly, the discussion about whether we exist within a computer simulation is somewhat irrelevant because we are indeed living in a simulation—the one created by our minds—regardless of its origins.

This reality often incites anxiety. Many fear that advancements in virtual reality technology will lead humanity to become increasingly detached from actual reality, possibly to a point of no return. However, virtual reality and "real" reality do not oppose each other; instead, they complement one another.

Science, the most reliable means of determining objective reality, is fueled by the virtual realities constructed by our minds. Our thoughts create perceptions of what reality is, and we then selectively monitor how these perceptions align with actual outcomes, assessing both their predictions and failures. This cognitive process mirrors the scientific method, which involves formulating a hypothesis and rigorously testing it to identify errors.

Contrary to popular belief, including among professionals, many scientists adhere to empiricism, insisting that theorizing about the unobservable is meaningless. If you are a novice scientist among them and propose hypotheses, you might be told to "shut up and calculate." For them, predictions are the essence of science, while in reality, understanding is paramount—one can predict phenomena without comprehension, much like a flat-earth theorist who anticipates the sunrise.

Such individuals might be alarmed by virtual reality, fearing it will detract from observing tangible reality. In contrast, a "realist"—someone who recognizes that explanations are fundamental in science—understands that there is little difference in cognitive processing between engaging in virtual reality and conducting scientific inquiry. As I mentioned earlier, we are constantly immersed in our own forms of virtual reality.

Conclusion: The Subjective Nature of Truth

I raised two thought-provoking questions to illustrate the divide between Truth and Knowledge:

1. How do I know I wasn't just born five minutes ago?
2. Are we living in a simulation?

These questions exemplify the profound utility of recognizing truth as a subjective experience. They reveal how knowledge can lead individuals away from self-awareness, spiraling into theories that create further complexities—an intellectual maze with no clear endpoint.

Embracing truth as a subjective phenomenon helps individuals reconnect with their most acute experiences—those direct perceptions of awareness. This understanding can be genuinely grasped and utilized, guiding a person toward meaningful insights.

The first video, "The Difference Between True and Truth," explores the nuances between these two concepts, shedding light on their implications in our understanding of reality.

The second video, "Distinction between Knowledge & Information/Belief and Truth / Reasoning and Analysis B.Ed.2," further investigates the relationship and distinctions between knowledge and truth, providing valuable insights for educators and learners alike.