Word on the Circle: Truthfully, What is Truth?

The Word on the Circle shares community members’ responses to a specific question. This feature was very popular in The Circle Voice back in 2016, and we’re bringing it back!

Our question for this issue is: “Is objective truth possible? Is truth one concrete answer, or can it be subjective? What is the gray area between opinion and fact?”

We decided on the topic of subjective and objective truth because of how frequently it comes up in daily life, whether we realize it or not. This topic has prompted us to consider perspective and the points in which truth overlaps and interacts with preference.

Assistant Head for Academics Kathy Leggat

“In one way, the literal truth is one answer—a right and a wrong. There is the notion of fact vs fiction: one right answer. However, in some ways, your own truths are completely opinionated.”

Ms. Leggat believes that “winter is wonderful” and that “that’s my truth, but others however may find it grim. Both people are truthful in their statements.” In her view, “a simple belief we hold to be correct may just be subjective.” This example signifies the importance of perspective, revealing how often truth is dependent on opinion.

Sixth former Cedar Connell holds a similar belief that “everything is subjective whether you filter it; every idea, every fact through your own mind and your own eyes, and you cannot separate your subjective experiences from that. And so everything gets filtered in together, and even if you try to regurgitate exactly what happened, you will leave things out.”

His thoughts on subjective truth echo the famous quote, “No man ever steps in the same river twice,” showing the huge impact minor differences can make, especially when being processed through the mind.

World Language Department Head Rebecca Stanton

After discussing the question with a few of her students, Madame Stanton concluded that “Objective truth is not possible since each one of us is fashioned by their upbringing, culture, people they come into contact with, readings, etc. So our truth can defer. Even mathematical truth is based on signs put together and accepted by a group.”

For her, objective truth hinges not only on its viewer, but also on external circumstances. Every situation is shaped by a number of variables that influence the way viewers perceive what they believe to be “true.” For example, in English, the concepts of “truth” and “belief” are shaped by the person perceiving it. However, in math and science, truth is a concept agreed upon by a much larger community of people.

Similarly, after we interviewed many students and faculty members, we gained a new level of understanding.

We ourselves have taken into account what we’ve heard and allowed that to influence our previous takes on this topic. Elaine has come to believe that objective truth is not possible without the influence of subjective truth. Everything that we think is “true” is held to our own standards of personal conviction. Situations are fluid and dynamic, therefore it is important to look at things through a different lens.

Likewise, Lula accredits truth to be subjective. Many variables in life shape how we look and experience our world, and there usually isn’t just a right and wrong answer. Life is complicated and this question reflects that. She believes that everything can be up to interpretation.

This question is even an example of the influence of subjective truth. Everyone has their own interpretation of what truth is for them, and Word on the Circle is just one way of sharing different people’s outlooks. We are very appreciative of the platform The Circle has provided to shed light on everyone’s frame of mind. The process of everyone’s voice being heard at Groton is a truth in itself.