Voltaire, etc.

When reading the first section, I was most struck by Voltaire's definition of truth. As Lynch mentions, he meant for the statement to be a joke because no one can ever believe, or consider true, more than the facts that currently exist. This is perhaps one of the most obvious observations in the chapter. However, as others have mentioned, it brings forward the fluid nature of truth as a concept, as well as a reality. Because it is ever-evolving, truth requires work, as Lynch asserts. However, I disagree with his assumption that belief and truth are always closely tied. Religious zealots are certain they believe in the only truth that exists, whether or not that so-called truth is morally, ethically or scientifically correct. Lynch later goes on to state, "...truth is a property that is good for beliefs to have." In this, he seems to remedy his earlier assertion and balance the need for truth in beliefs. Basically, the relationship is such that each can exist without the other, but that the best beliefs are indeed those that are true.

When thinking about this, I began to consider the concept of personal conviction and its relationship to belief, and, ultimately, truth. I tend to think of personal conviction as the set of beliefs an individual considers true. However, I think that conviction also measures a set of morals and ethics that seem to have no influence on truth. Perhaps this is taking the conversation out of context, but it is simply what came to mind when I was reading the chapter.