Discerning truth in a persuasive universe

Start with the idea: “Everything you know is wrong”. Contradict any statement made to you as truthful. Support any obvious lie or fabrication. Do this on a strictly experimental basis. While you will find yourself suspect among your acquaintances, you will also find out how often the ideas taken for granted in routine of daily experience can vary wildly in their accuracy. Just as it is possible to fly to the Moon using the laws of motion set down by Newton, it is possible to go through life fairly self assured with the laws set down by your particular society and your teachers. If however, you wish to be as accurate as possible, in life, or in moon landings, it is imperative to use the best information possible. Playing the word game described above will not only illuminate some of the inaccuracies in the language, but in the logic we us to express our ideas, as well.It is the practice of politicians, lawyers, advertisers, and priests to use the inherent logical constraints of the language to persuade others to their view. Persuasion is a particularly annoying aspect of the societal condition. In mathematics, in science, an assertion must be substantiated by proof. This is hardly the case in the public arena. Matters of public policy are frequently determined by some sort of debate. That is, sides are chosen after a particular question has been named. Despite the nature of the question, or the validity of the evidence, there is always a side to be chosen. For or against. A person who knows the inherent vicissitudes of the English language, or any language, is able to manipulate the language and its concepts to achieve an argument that, on the surface, seems to support the facts. Taking course work in debate is an introduction to these techniques. In formal debate, the opposing parties are prepared to present either side of the question put before them. In such a situation, the debate is won or lost, not on the best empirical evidence, but on the ability of the participants to use the language is such a way as to convince others of their point of view. It is this compromise of truth that occurs daily in courtrooms, legislatures, and in the various media providing news and information services.