All Truth is Subjective

Now, before I begin proper, I think a clarification of "truth" is necessary. While Pro helpfully provided a definition in the acceptance round, he seems to think truth has two requirements. So I would like to counter this by offering a two-part proposition: 1. Reality need not exist for something to be true. A computer game may seems an epic adventure, but is, in fact, simply pixels on a screen. This may be how my opponent sees reality, possibly even more abstractly. However, that does not mean that certain things true within the game are therefore falsified as a result of the game's departure from reality. On the same token, reality may be utterly void but that does not mean certain things cannot be true within our illusion. So I can perfectly well accept that premise, and it does not temper my case in any way. 2. Not everyone need agree with a statement for it to be true One's "idea of truth", as my opponent puts it, has no implication on the truth of the matter, similar to how there could be absolute morality, even if not everyone practices it. Anything can be denied, or redefined (for example, the number 2 could hold a different value for a lunatic), but that does not change the fact that by accepted, dictionary definition, something can remain accurate. According to Webster, absolute is "free from imperfection. " (1) The invalid denial of an unstable or possibly sinister force speaks not on subjectivity, but on the human condition. Furthermore, Philosophy. com defines the entire phrase in question, absolute truth, as "inflexible reality: fixed, invariable, unalterable facts. " (2) While few statements or bits of knowledge adheres to this stringent definition, such declarations do exist, and the ability of someone to pretend said declaration is false does not ultimately invalidate its claim. Truth Vs. Opinion It seems to me that in this debate, the distinction of these two terms are all-important. The fact of the matter and what people think the fact is are often diametrically opposed. Let's take a polemical topic: the question of whether God exists. Whatever peoples' varying views of the matter may be, there is a correct answer in that there either is a god(s) or there isn't. That is called absolute truth, and in this sense it undoubtedly exists. To these questions, there are answers, even if our pitifully limited minds may never reach them. However, what my point is is that truth, therefore, is not, and cannot be subjective as long as there is a correct answer. Opinions can change, but the reality (even if it doesn't exist) will remain the same. Truth does not alter itself for different opinions, and thus is not a matter of subjectivity. Absolute Truth and Morality While I briefly alluded to this comparison in my opening paragraph, I will expand it now. My impressive opponent professes the Mormon faith; thus, though I could be wrong, I assume he believes in God's absolute morality. This being true, I would like to issue the following challenge to him: how can absolute morality exist if not everyone subscribes to it? And how can he say morality is "real" despite its non-universality but also say truth is not because of its non-universality? My opponent's faith and argument seem quite exclusive and possibly even hypocritical, and I would like to hear what he has to say in response. Can Truth be Subjective? Reading through what I have written, I will confess that a valid criticism that could be made of my work is that my focus remains too much along what is true, and not so much what is subjective. And before I conclude my beginning statement, I should remedy this by connecting the two portions of my argument. Were the proposition "people's perception of truth is subjective", I would be inclined to concur. Indeed, I suspect my opponent would struggle to find a rational opponent running with hat to line. However, the key word is whether "all truth" is subjective or not. And truth, at least some, is certainly, certainly objective, regardless of how one sees it or thinks of it. This debate is not so much about people as it is about truth, and truth, whatever nuggets of it exist, is not subjective. On that note, I will conclude my opening gambit. Best of luck to my opponent in the upcoming round, and I look forward to continuing our discussion. (1) . http://www.merriam-webster.com... (2) . http://www.allaboutphilosophy.org...