Single Idea 15775

[catalogued under 3. Truth / B. Truthmakers / 1. For Truthmakers]

Full Idea

It is not on account of our truly thinking that you are white that you are white; rather it is on account of your being white that we who assert as much are telling the truth.

Gist of Idea

Truth-thinking does not make it so; it being so is what makes it true

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1051b10)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.281


A Reaction

Some philosophers say this makes truth a derivative property, and is central to truth-maker theories. Kit Fine claims the reverse - that things exist because of the truths - but I don't really understand that (or agree with it).

Related Idea

Idea 12216 Real objects are those which figure in the facts that constitute reality [Fine,K]