A Short History of Truth

Consolations for a Post-Truth World
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Short History of Truth by Julian Baggini explores the multifaceted concept of truth throughout history. It examines how different cultures and philosophies have understood and valued truth, offering insights into the importance of truth in various aspects of life. Through a compelling journey, Baggini encourages readers to reflect on truth's role in shaping beliefs and actions.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this work if you're interested in exploring the nature of truth and how it has evolved through different philosophical lenses. The book delves into the complexities of truth, examining its role in various aspects of human thought and society, making it a fascinating read for anyone curious about the philosophical underpinnings of truth and its relevance in today's world.

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A Short History of Truth

The thinking person's tonic for our troubling times

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

How did we find ourselves in a "post-truth" world of "alternative facts"? And can we get out of it? A Short History of Truth sets out to answer these questions by looking at the complex history of truth and falsehood.

It identifies ten types of supposed truth and explains how easily each can become the midwife of falsehood. There is no species of truth that we can rely on unquestioningly, but that does not mean the truth can never be established. Attaining truth is an achievement we need to work for, and each chapter will end up with a truth we can have some confidence in.

This history builds into a comprehensive and clear explanation of why truth is now so disputed by exploring ten kinds of truth:

1. Eternal truths.

2. Authoritative truths.

3. Esoteric truths.

4. Reasoned truths.

5. Evidence-based truths.

6. Creative truths.

7. Relative truths.

8. Powerful truths.

9. Moral truths.

10. Holistic truths.

Baggini provides us with all we need to restore faith in the value and possibility of truth as a social enterprise. Truth-seekers need to be sceptical not cynical, autonomous not atomistic, provisional not dogmatic, open not empty, demanding not unreasonable.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781786488893

Publisher: Quercus Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 12 July 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Quercus Publishing

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 110g

Pages: 192

About the Author

Julian Baggini is the founding editor of The Philosophers' Magazine. He has a PhD on the philosophy of personal identity and is the author, co-author or editor of over twenty books including The Pig That Wants to be Eaten, The Ego Trick, Welcome to Everytown, The Virtues of the Table (all Granta), and most recently The Edge of Reason (Yale). He has written for numerous newspapers and magazines, as well as for the think-tanks The Institute of Public Policy Research, Demos and Counterpoint. His website is www.microphilosophy.net

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