The Problems of Philosophy · Chapter
XII: Truth and Falsehood explained
This chapter explores the nature of truth and falsehood, distinguishing the question of what truth is from how we know whether a belief is true.
What happens
This chapter explores the nature of truth and falsehood, distinguishing the question of what truth is from how we know whether a belief is true. Russell argues that truth consists in a correspondence between belief and fact, rejecting the coherence theory of truth due to its reliance on the law of contradiction and the possibility of multiple coherent systems. He emphasizes that truth and falsehood are properties of beliefs dependent on their relation to external facts, not on intrinsic qualities of the beliefs themselves. The chapter uses the example of Othello's false belief about Desdemona and Cassio to illustrate that belief cannot be a relation to a single object, as that would preclude falsehood.
Themes in this chapter
Truth and Falsehood
The central theme of the chapter, defining truth as correspondence with fact and falsehood as the absence of such correspondence, while critiquing the coherence theory.
Appearance vs. Reality
The chapter touches on the possibility that life could be a dream, illustrating the challenge of distinguishing true beliefs from false ones based on coherence alone.
Characters to notice
- Othello
Used as an example of false belief: Othello believes falsely that Desdemona loves Cassio.
- Desdemona
Referenced as an object-term in Othello's false belief.
- Cassio
Referenced as an object-term in Othello's false belief.
- Charles I
Used as an example of a true belief (died on the scaffold) and a false belief (died in his bed) to illustrate that truth depends on external facts.
Key passages
“Our knowledge of truths, unlike our knowledge of things, has an opposite, namely 'error.'”
Unlike knowing objects, knowing truths can be wrong; error is the counterpart of truth.
Introduces the dualism between truth and falsehood in knowledge of truths.
“Thus coherence as the definition of truth fails because there is no proof that there can be only one coherent system.”
The coherence theory of truth is flawed because multiple coherent systems of belief could exist, so coherence alone cannot guarantee truth.
Key objection to the coherence theory.
“A belief is true when there is a corresponding fact, and is false when there is no corresponding fact.”
A belief is true if a fact matches it; otherwise, it is false.
Russell's definition of truth as correspondence with fact.