Single Idea 7661

[catalogued under 3. Truth / E. Pragmatic Truth / 1. Pragmatic Truth]

Full Idea

The opinion which is fated to be ultimately agreed to by all who investigate, is what we mean by the truth, and the object represented in this opinion is the real.

Gist of Idea

Truth is the opinion fated to be ultimately agreed by all investigators

Source

Charles Sanders Peirce (How to Make our Ideas Clear [1878], p.38)

Book Reference

Peirce,Charles Sanders: 'Philosophical Writings of Peirce', ed/tr. Buchler,Justus [Dover 1940], p.38


A Reaction

At least this affirms that truth is an ideal about which we dream, and is not confined merely to what we can actually know. But it rules out anything beyond the reach of all investigation, which seems a misconception of truth. What could angels know?

Related Idea

Idea 21494 If truth is the end of enquiry, what if it never ends, or ends prematurely? [Atkin on Peirce]