Comparing Kitcher's Acceptive Truth And Ideals Of Progress

Truth is paradoxical- a mixture of advantage and loss. Despite the “good” or “bad” label on the truth, knowledge can progress and/or hinder an individual or society. The overall solution to this argument remains uncertain- as the value of knowledge is indeterminable. The battle between logic and sentiment has invoked countless debates. There is no clear answer to the benefit or harm of truths, considering scientific knowledge does not normally pertain to emotions. Scientific knowledge results from obtaining truths. However, these answers potentially benefit or obstruct the value of the raised questions. Increased knowledge contains the potential progression or hindrance of an individual or society. Both Philip Kitcher’s “Subversive Truth and

This work analyzes Thomas Huxley’s statement “truth is better than much profit” (______). Kitcher responds to this expression by attempting to defend and refute it. In response to Huxley, Kitcher interprets his statement to signify that truth is relevant to progress. This progress can be individual or of a society. Essentially, Huxley believes that knowledge, in regards of the unknown, is more significant and valuable than remaining in a shadow of ignorance. Kitcher, in agreement with Huxley, suggests that discovering the truth, even if could be considered negative, overall induces progression- which in return, benefits that person or group. Despite human comfort or happiness, definite answers about the unknown generate further progression than persisting in ignorance. Ultimately, Kitcher rejects Huxley’s idea by questioning the value of scientific knowledge. Towards an individual, scientific truths do not necessarily benefit his life. If this truth were to fundamentally disrupt his lifestyle, would his newfound knowledge altogether “benefit” his life? For example, an individual discovering he has an incurable,

More so, to Sanders, in Martin’s short story, “With Morning Comes Mistfall,” discovering the wraiths are merely a myth would be devastating. The mysterious allure of Wraithworld would diminish, as would the visitors. Unfortunately, since the travelers only find the beauty of the planet after they come to search for wraiths, no one would discover the peaceful elegance that is Wraithworld. Furthermore, Sanders thrives off the mystery of the wraiths. To discover his wraiths were imaginary or inferior animals would ruin the enjoyment that stems from exploration and wonder. Contradictory to the hindrance of truth, scientific knowledge can lead to progression. Occasionally, obtaining truths can be beneficial, just as Huxley insists. Even if the truth itself is not positive, it can eventually produce favorable outcomes. Following Matin’s story, Dubowski desires the truth about the wraiths, as he is head of a research team. He comes to Wraithworld to determine the existence of the creatures, which he later shares at a press conference. Originally, he does not think the wraiths exist because there is no evidence. After searching, Dubowski confirms a lack of proof for the wraiths, thereby