Does Absolute Truth Exist? - Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle of Truth

What is the truth? 

We all live life searching for the truth. Some claim they have found it; some claim it does not exist. What is truth? My English teacher asked the question in class, and I applied Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle to truth. 

Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

The Uncertainty Principle states that it is not possible to measure both the location and momentum of a subatomic particle. Any attempts to measure its position will alter its actual position, making the measurement useless. 

Picture by Christiane Wilke.


The Real Life Metaphor

We cannot see the truth behind a person, or even ourselves, because when we look at a person, their truths change. When we observe ourselves, our truths change.

Let's take the example of describing oneself. In front of friends, one may think one is funny, or fun to be around. In front of judging figures, such as children or parents, one may try to be more serious to fit the model the society recommends. In utter isolation, one often cannot define oneself, hence the existential crisis. 

When the isolated environment allows us to be truthful about ourselves, how do we define ourselves then? Do we really know if we are who we think we are? Does the fact of thinking about who we are changes who we are? 

Practical Approximation

Just because the truth may be uncertain, but it does not prevent the world from moving on. We can approximate an outcome or characteristic with high enough probability to deem it the truth. If ten people think the tree is a tree, then the tree may very well be a tree. Arguing that there is a possibility that the tree is not a tree becomes rather pointless. 

Searching and arguing about the real truth also becomes rather pointless. If we know it is impossible to find, then why find it? 

At the end of the day, truth is not all that wonderful. Often times, almost truth hurt more than lies. Sometimes lies are necessary to achieve our objective, good or evil. While it is fun to think about the ultimate truth, it is also impractical to think about it all the time. 

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