Artistic disciplines, such as history and philosophy, are founded on the multitudes of insights and varying perspectives of individuals. Studies in this discipline are more reliant on the understanding of relative truth rather than absolute truths, dependant on the accuracy of one account in comparison to another. Since interpretations are founded on the marriage of preexisting knowledge with the revelation of current knowledge, then it is definite that interpretations would differ between each individual as everyone would have unique experiences in their lifetime. In that case, should a bias account be regarded true because it was provided by a benighted individual?
Coincidentally it is the myriad of devout worshipers that sparked religious conflicts. With generations of believers and compelling doctrines as sustenance, each religion seems as absolute as the next. Within Christianity itself denominations are vastly different; differing in the way of worship and rites even though they share a common scripture. Is it then possible for all forms of religion to be true because of the sheer magnitude of believers, or must there be a monistic stand?
The realm of science and technology is governed by laws and theories, pragmatically proven true through numerous experiments and thus seemingly accurate. However, possible exceptions may remain undiscovered due to our limited time and knowledge. Moreover, there are bound to be experimental inaccuracies and biasness in each theory. Thus, these experimental truths are true by virtue of their concordance to nature and are not entirely absolute in nature.
In essence, there are many theories of truths that determine the reliability of a belief, each equally essential in contributing to the order and functioning of a society. However, some theories would naturally be more appropriate in substantiating a phenomenon over another. There are two sides to every coin and to every seemingly truthful statement there are potential misgivings. Thus, one must be discerning when presented with varying information and be critical in what we choose to believe. Ultimately, truth is the realities have been reasoned and rational to one. There is really no way of obtaining the ultimate truth and the presence of an actual truth in any field is questionable.
At this point, it seems frivolous to pursue knowledge or to understand the truths of the world. After all, our lifetime on earth is limited and the knowledge we are exposed to is finite. The pursuit of knowledge might as well be a never ending chase. As Charles Seymour aptly puts it, “Seek the truth and endure the consequences.” Yet, there is that undying thirst for knowledge that everyone possesses. Eventually, it is not the answer that satisfies us, it is the experience gained through the arduous process of seeking answers that broadens our perspectives and sheds new light to existing knowledge. To grow as a person and to mature in thought, that is the real goal in life.