Why can't truth be absolute?

Many (Western, 20th/21st century) people seem to find it relative, but it feels to me like nothing would make sense then. Like lying would be excused, and any education, and authority, and 'universal' human rights all become a farce. Right?

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Answer by baluga (147)

Relative truth is a problem for contemporary philosophers, many of whom do believe that it is impossible to discuss right or wrong without at least provisionally accepting the idea of absolute truth. Basically, either it exists or it is necessary to pretend it exists.

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Answer by pilot (204)

Truth is often a matter of perception. Cultural beliefs,situational perception and even mental health all may affect the individual's perception of the truth. Truth is prone to change due to gained knowledge or perceptions. At one time in history, the vast majority of people knew it was true that the world was flat. Experience changed that truth.

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Reply by eriksalteau (17):
Well, but then what used to be known as truth wasn't really the truth. To me it doesn't seem that truth changed, but people came to know it better or more. Since we are hardly ever absolutely sure, that doesn't have to mean that truth can't be absolute..? add a comment

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