What is objective truth?

Answer

If something is objective, it corresponds with reality. Objective truth is a fact that applies universally, regardless of individual opinions. In the past, this was simply referred to as “truth.”

Objective stands in contrast to subjective. When someone states, “The 1966 Ford Mustang is the most stylish car ever produced,” they are expressing a subjective opinion. It reflects only one person’s viewpoint and cannot be objectively assessed against reality; it is dependent on the perspectives of others. Individuals will either agree or disagree with the statement based solely on their own subjective opinions. It is challenging to assert that a subjective statement holds true in a meaningful way; however, in contemporary terms, one might say, “It is MY truth,” which introduces a new dimension to subjectivity. In the past, “my truth” would have been more accurately described as “my opinion.”

An objective statement is based on facts; it aligns with reality regardless of emotions or biases. For example, if someone declares, “I possess a 1966 Ford Mustang,” they are making an objective statement. If the individual indeed owns such a vehicle, the statement is true. Conversely, if the person does not own the car, the statement is false. The accuracy of the assertion is not influenced by subjective viewpoints.

In recent years, there has been a challenge to the concept of objective truth. Ideas previously considered objective have been reclassified as subjective. For instance, the straightforward statement “God exists” was historically viewed as an objective assertion. People might have differing opinions, but it was universally regarded as an objective statement about external reality. While most individuals may have agreed with the statement, even atheists who disagreed approached it objectively—acknowledging that it was either true or false.

Over the past three decades or so, a new trend has emerged. Instead ofTreating the statement “God exists” as an objective statement, many began to perceive it as subjective. Instead of simply agreeing or disagreeing, the response might be something like “That is your truth. God may exist for you, but He doesn’t exist for me.” The focus has shifted from objectivity (which seeks correspondence to objects in the real world) to subjectivity (which depends on the subject making the statement). Today, it is common to regard all statements concerning religion or theology as purely subjective expressions of opinion—and, naturally, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

In more recent years, we have witnessed subjective opinions being elevated to the status of objective truth. If an individual embraces “his truth” or “her truth,” then everyone else is expected to accept that as “truth” as well—at least in certain “politically correct” contexts. This trend is evident in recent developments in transgender issues. Throughout history, gender was viewed as an objective matter—a person was identified as male or female based on a set of external, objective, and verifiable criteria. However, certain cultural influences are now striving to render gender subjective. A male who chooses to identify as female is essentially embracing “his truth” or, as the cultural influences would suggest, “her truth.” Even though the gender of a transgender individual is “subjective,” their subjective truth must be regarded as objective, as if it perfectly aligns with reality. Criticizing the chosen gender of a transgender individual as merely “their truth” is almost considered an unforgivable offense. The subjective has been raised to the level of the objective, while the objective has been diminished to the level of the subjective. The world has been turned upside down.

Nevertheless, reality has a way of challenging people’s viewpoints. Despite their efforts, individuals cannot completely disregard the concept of objective truth. When a person asserts that one can select their own gender, they are, in essence, making an objective statement. This statement is either

True or false. The individual who makes the statement will not be content if you acknowledge that this is simply “their truth.” They will insist that this is an objective statement that holds true for everyone. Even the statement “objective truth does not exist” is an objective statement. Those who assert it will often attempt to argue that it aligns with reality and is therefore objectively true, ultimately undermining their own argument.

Postmodernism is a philosophical movement that does not reject the existence of objective truth, but it disputes that we can ever know it definitively, as we are all influenced by various cultural forces that obscure our judgment. In postmodern thought, it is only ignorance and arrogance that lead one to declare, “I know this is true.” However, when postmodernists state, “It is impossible to know anything for sure,” they are making an objective statement. If certainty is unattainable, then they cannot be certain that certainty is unattainable.

In essence, facts and opinions are distinct. Objective truth stands in contrast to (subjective) opinion. Individuals may debate whether a specific statement is objective or subjective. If it is objective, they may dispute whether it is true or not. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that objective truth exists. Previously, the Christian’s task was to prove the truthfulness of biblical assertions. Now, this task has become more challenging because, prior to discussing the truth of the Bible, the Christian must often persuade the listener that truth does indeed exist, particularly concerning religious assertions.