The Distinction Between True and Being-Taken-to-be-True in Nietzsche’s Thought

Frederick Nietzsche’s philosophical inquiries into truth and truth construction are profound and influential. He challenges the traditional notion of objective truth, highlighting the subjective and constructed nature of truth. This article delves into Nietzsche’s key arguments regarding the distinction between what is true and what is being-taken-to-be-true. By understanding these ideas, we can better navigate the complexities of human belief and knowledge.

Truth as a Construct

Nietzsche argues that beliefs or statements are often accepted as true based on societal consensus or acceptance, rather than through objective verification. This perspective is often summarized as the concept of truth as a construct. This idea challenges the traditional notion that truth is an objective reality independent of human perception. Instead, Nietzsche suggests that our understanding of truth is deeply intertwined with our cultural, social, and historical contexts. For example, consider the widespread belief that certain political figures are good leaders. This belief is often rooted in societal acceptance and media portrayal rather than empirical evidence.

Critique of Objective Truth

Nietzsche is highly skeptical of the idea of absolute or objective truth. He criticizes the desire for certainty and the pursuit of absolute knowledge, arguing that such pursuits lead to dogmatism and the suppression of alternative perspectives. Nietzsche advocates for a more fluid understanding of truth, one that acknowledges the subjective nature of human experience. He posits that truth is not an external, immutable reality but is instead a product of human cognition and societal validation.

This critique of objective truth is best understood through Nietzsche's famous assertion that “truth is a mobile army of metaphor, metonymy, and anthropomorphism.” In other words, our understanding of truth is multifaceted and often relies on linguistic and conceptual constructs. Nietzsche suggests that the language we use to describe truth is not neutrally representing an independent reality but is, in fact, shaping our perception of that reality.

Philosophers and Scientists' Premises

Philosophers and scientists, driven by their desire for truth, certainty, and knowledge, often operate based on unexamined premises. However, Nietzsche argues that just because these premises are unexamined does not mean they are unquestionable. He encourages a more rigorous and self-critical approach to knowledge, suggesting that our beliefs and truths are often based on layers of belief and perception.

For instance, many people might accept that Joe Biden is a good US president because the news media says he is. Others might claim that he is a good president based on facts they believe to be true. However, the veracity of these facts is often questionable. The media portrayal and the underlying facts themselves often involve a significant layer of belief and perception. This layer of belief can be so deeply ingrained that it becomes difficult to question or change.

Understanding Truth in Modern Contexts

In the contemporary world, where the internet and mass media exert significant influence, the distinction between what is true and what is taken to be true is even more pronounced. Marketers, mass media, and experts often present facts as evidence of their claims, but the veracity of these facts is often lacking. This is because the underlying process of fact-finding and truth validation is often opaque and complex. Very few people are willing to dig deeper and see how these facts were determined. As such, the truth presented to us is often a layered construct, with each layer built upon previous beliefs and perceptions.

Beyond this layer of belief and perception lies the realm of faith. Nietzsche suggests that without some degree of faith, we cannot validate the many layers of truth we rely on daily. Faith, in this sense, is not about blind acceptance but about a willingness to suspend disbelief and explore the complex nature of truth.

In conclusion, Nietzsche’s distinction between true and being-taken-to-be-true is a powerful critique of the traditional notion of objective truth. By recognizing the constructed nature of our beliefs and the layers of perception that shape our understanding of truth, we can better navigate the complexities of human knowledge and belief.