Plausible Truth

“. . . we know truth not only through reason but more so through the heart.  It is in this latter way that we know first principles, and it is in vain that reason, which plays no part in this, tries to combat them.”  (Blaise Pascal, 1623—1662) 

Many believe in the truth of God.  Many believe that, in truth, there is no God.

Many believe in the truth of a transcendent source of good and evil.  Many believe, in truth, that humans alone decide the measure of good and evil.

All truths follow from unprovable first principles.  Many believe that, in truth, we live in a material world made of matter and energy only, explainable by the properties of matter and energy alone.  This is the prevailing presumption of the sciences.  Many others believe that, in truth, the world is made of matter, energy and something more.  ‘Something more’ has been called sentience, spirit, creative force, oneness.  Most commonly ‘something more’ has been called God. This is the prevailing presumption of religion.

It seems to me that there are truths, perhaps some of the most important truths, that defy proof.  Yet, they are the truths that stir great passion, conviction and devotion. Let’s call these plausible truths.

Plausible truths have been reasoned, witnessed, experienced and believed by many.  Plausible truths have also been denied, disputed and disbelieved by many others.  People have argued, fought, killed and died for their plausible truths.

Plausible truths are built upon unprovable first principles, principles that are accepted in faith. Reason then must explore and question the implications of these first principles.  “It is not certainty which one acquires so, only plausibility, but that is the best we can hope for.”  (Milton Steinberg, 1903-1950)

Plausible truths can neither be proved nor disproved. Don’t try to convince me of that which can’t be proved.  I won’t dispute with you that which I can’t disprove.  I live with plausibility, not certainty.  I have my truths.  You have yours.