3 Paths to Truth

• Truth is the conformity of

the intellect to things.

1. Through a priori reasoning that is coherent and logical

(not dependent on experience)- Rational explanation

2. Through a posteriori empirical data- which

confirms that this belief or truth claim

squares with sense perception or

experience- or what can be perceived by the

senses.

“To see is to believe.”

2.1 Scientific standards-

To the scientist standard is the

laboratory. If a phenomenon is

capable of being repeated in a

laboratory under the same

conditions with the same results,

then the phenomenon is accepted

as true.

2.2 Judicial standards-

The lawyers say no to hearsay. Only

that which is personally known

(witness)

and passes the test of cross

examination can be the basis of

judicial judgment.

3. Appeal to authority- a recognized authority/expert

confirms the belief as true.

“To have faith is to be sure of the things we

hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot

see… It is by faith that we understand that the

universe was created by God’s word, that

what can be seen was made out of what

cannot be seen.” (Heb. 11, Good News Bible)

To believe is to see.

The Word

• God

• Jesus Christ

• Sacred Scriptures

• The Church Magisterium

• Theologians

Theology appeals to the authority of God’s Word in

Scriptures and Church’s Tradition/Teaching

authority.

• St. Paul

• St. Augustine

• St. Thomas Aquinas

• Karl Rahner

• Yves Marie Congar

• John Henry Newman

Application Paper #2

• Using the three paths, determine

the truth of something or

someone you have always

believed to be “true”.

• Apply the related concept/s learned

in Theology

• 250 minimum number of words

• Single-spaced

• Justify

• Speak in the first person.