Existential Thuth and Post-Truth
Journal Title: Соціологія: теорія, методи, маркетинг - Year 2018, Vol 4, Issue
Abstract
This essay aims to clarify key meanings of the existential truth in light of the present-day concept of post-truth. Although philosophical approaches are based on correspondence theory of truth, nowadays we talk about “post-truth” and “postfacticity”. In Ukrainian (and some other Slavic languages) the word “pravda” that historically meant both “truth” and “justice” expresses a person’s or community’s rightness concerning a state of affairs. “Truth” is mostly used to stress undoubted objectivity of a judgement, whereas “pravda” is related to a truth that is being community-to-community different. This gives a phenomenological approach for its exploration, motivated by L.Zuidervaart’s study. A proposition’s meaning is perceived as ‘true’ or ‘untrue’, correct or non-correct depending on life contexts of communication. We consider it as an issue of the existential truth. The specific role of post-truth in hybrid warfare discloses itself in practice of debunking propaganda. The latter uses ‘true’ understanding of its own community being to create imagined factual reality of other community’s life-world that is aimed at justifying possible fighting. Fakes are not the mere products of a blatant lie, but they are derivatives of the imagined Other of enemy culture. That account assists in clarifying the interconnection between social and personal dimensions of existential truth by referring to Heidegger’s concepts of truth as disclosure and authenticity. Doubtless experiencing of authenticity, which ‘we own’ as presupposition of possible resisting to or even fighting against the Other’s identity, raises a complicate issue of reaching truth in intercultural dialogue. Addressing to H. Jonas’ concept of human responsibility turns an issue of the existential truth into a communicative task of reaching universal consensus. The latter is often considered to be a required result of power of human rationality based on propositional truth. A ground for the consensus might be bringing of the truth into everyday life globally either by people who gain experience in technological industry or by those consuming high-tech tools. Ch.Taylor’s criticism towards F.Fukuyama’s idea of liberating role of global involvement of people into industrial work does not confirm the first. The second allows comparing current perception of consumed goods with Heidegger’s concept of readiness-to-hand (das Zuhandene). Both referred assist to highlight the increased role of identity versus belief in all-powerful rationality for making “truth” statements. In conclusion, the essay outlines perspectives of understanding inner interconnection between freedom and truth.
Authors and Affiliations
YEVHEN BYSTRYTSKY
Keywords
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