Truisms about Truth

First off, this is a great way to set the tone of this book.  The author has already stated that he believes that truth matters (as clearly written on the cover).  To talk about "truisms of truth" is the author's way of having the reader buy into the idea that truth is somehow discoverable.  Furthermore the truisms that he identifies are difficult to disagree with when you are examining truth as a concept rather than attempting to nail it down as a concrete image.  This is what Lynch asks us to do with his first truism "truth is objective."  He cites Voltaire "let us define truth, while waiting for a better definition... as a statement of facts as they are." This effectively sums up the argument for his first point, a truth that is may not be a truth forever.  Lynch says his second point is, "it is good to believe what is true." (pg. 12) This relates to its use both as synonym for good or just and because it seems to give greater meaning to the beliefs that we have that are deemed most true.  The third truism, "truth is a worthy goal of inquiry," is especially relevant in the context of point two.  If truth is good then there is good reason for one to strive to understand it.  The final point, "truth is worth caring about for its own sake," identifies truth as something good just because it is truth.  The examples of alternate realities that Lynch identifies demonstrate how it is better to experience something rather than to appear to experience it.  This final point assumes a compliant reader.  A reader who doesn't agree with the definitions that truth is good or to strive for it is worthwhile may not see the inherent value in truth.