…as a follow on from the previous post…
What truth do we invest in? Why and what does it say about us?
This discussion brings into question all sorts of things. What is truth? How far does abstraction go? Is there a boundary between the personal and the universal? Do we accept ‘symbols’ (in this instance the actors) too readily and do we have any alternative? Do we have any choice but to accept symbols? Would we even be able to communicate without them?
David M. is absolutely right, what is truth? There is no question truth is as subjective a thing as there is. Through interpretations and mis-communications an ‘account’ emerges and what does it mean if we believe the account? Does investing our belief in a story mean that we agree with it or does that invested belief signify something deeper; a profound trust, an empathy, a similarity? Why do we believe or not? I don’t mean why do we choose to believe or not, I mean what is the function within our humanity which causes us to have the need to believe? Does this need give rise to using symbols?
Apocrypha does happen as Elena said, is there any way to stop it from happening? Is the best we can do is as Judith Barry did; present a close proximity in order to remain close to truth? Is truth simulacra?
I think I will just have to accept the niggle because I can’t really say why or what causes it or even how to assuage it.
Thank you again to eveyone who posted a comment below – fascinating!