Aristotle's truth: Philosopher explains correspondence between language, reality

Philosopher Darío Sztajnszrajber explored the enduring tension between the practical utility of knowledge and the deeper, ontological search for truth. In an interview with LA NACION, he delved into the classical definition of truth, emphasizing the significance of Aristotle's perspective.

According to Aristotle, Sztajnszrajber explained, truth is established through a correspondence: "To say of what is that it is not, or of what is not that it is, is false." He highlighted that Aristotle prioritized the verb "to say," creating a direct link between language, thought, and objective reality. "There must be correspondence between what I say, what I think, and what exists," Sztajnszrajber noted. "The interesting thing about this correspondence is that Aristotle's first word is 'to say,' because ultimately truth has to do with that connection between language or thought."

This traditional approach clashes with the modern "post-truth" era, where personal biases often override empirical evidence. Sztajnszrajber questioned the feasibility of objective verification in today's information landscape: "Who can step outside of oneself to objectively verify that something is as it is?" He suggested that historical truths have always been relative to their cultural and social paradigms.

The philosopher also distinguished between everyday truths, tied to mechanical utility, and philosophical truths seeking existential meaning. "Everyday truths imply direct utility. Like, I turn on the tap, water comes out. There's a truth there based on mechanical execution, on manual skill," he said. Philosophical truths, conversely, are more ontological, seeking a broader sense. "Everyday truths, even scientific truths, are more concerned with the 'how.' Precisely with the proper functioning of things. But it's one thing for something to function, and another for it to be true. And that's where we can discuss what we seek in the name of truth. You can associate it with an existential purpose, if you will, more transcendent."

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Decir de lo que es, que es, y de lo que no es, que no es, es verdadero. Ahora, decir de lo que es, que no es, y de lo que no es, que es, es falso.