On 11th November 2024, the Department of Philosophy, Don Bosco College, Tura organized a departmental seminar for the 5th Semester Honours students on the theme “Philosophical Evaluation of Truth and Theories of Truth”. The Seminar was held at 12:00 P. M in the Bosco Hall. The Vice Principal of the college, Rev. Fr. John Paul Tirkey and the faculty members of the Department graced the event. A total of 86 participants attended the seminar, including Honours students from the first and third semesters as well as the paper presenters from the 5th semester.
The seminar commenced with a welcome address and an introductory speech on the theme of the Seminar by Dr. Wanphai Mary K. Japang, Head of the Department. In her speech, Dr. Japang welcome the gathering, highlighted the purpose of the seminar and provided an overview of the concept of truth and the various theories of truth as developed within western philosophical traditions.
Rev. Fr. John Paul Tirkey, the Vice Principal of the college, officially inaugurated the seminar. In his inaugural speech, Fr. Tirkey shared profound insights on the philosophical and practical significance of truth in shaping ethical, social and intellectual discourses. He further encouraged students to actively engage and participate in departmental and college activities as such participation would significantly enhance their academic understanding and benefit their future endeavours
The technical session included presentations from four 5th semester groups, each addressing a distinct aspect of the seminar‘s theme. The first group examined the “Concept of Truth”, tracing its historical evolution from Aristotle‘s classical definition, “To say what is, that it is” to modern interpretations. The group highlighted the tension between truth as an objective reality and as a subjective construct shaped by human perception and experience. The presenters from the second group analyzed the “Correspondence theory of truth”, which asserts that truth is found in the alignment of propositions with an independent reality. While they emphasized its appeal as an objective standard, they also noted its limitations in abstract domains like morality and aesthetics as well as epistemological challenges. The presenters of the third group discussed the “Coherence theory of truth” which defines truth through the logical consistency of beliefs within a system. They acknowledged the theory’s strength in epistemic justification but also addressed its susceptibility to relativism and detachment from objective reality. The final presentation by the fourth group examined the “Pragmatic theory of truth” which redefines truth based on its practical consequences and utility. While highlighting the theory’s adaptability in scientific and ethical contexts, the presenters also critiqued its potential reduction of truth to mere expediency, which could undermine its metaphysical depth.
Rikme Rosa M Sangma, a 5th semester student concluded the technical session by synthesizing the key points from each presentation. She emphasized that no single theory could fully capture the multifaceted nature of truth. However, she argued that when considered collectively, these theories offer a more complete and nuanced understanding of truth. Each theory with its own strengths and limitations, contributes uniquely to the ongoing philosophical discourse. Rikme Rosa further highlighted that the diversity of these theories enriches our understanding of truth and its complex role in shaping human knowledge and perception.
At the end of the presentations, paper presenters from all the groups, as well as the participants of the seminar, were invited to raise questions to the respective groups in which majority of the students actively and enthusiastically participated in the session. The questions posed to the respective groups were thoughtfully answered by the group representatives and their members.
The seminar was skillfully hosted by Swin Dansley R Marak from the 1st semester that ensured the smooth progression of the event.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks from Sir Ferick Salnang D Sangma, Assistant Professor of the Department, who expressed his gratitude to all those involved in making the seminar a grand success.
