In the fourth century B.C., Plato and Aristotle wrestled with “what is truth?” Plato hypothesized that truth resides in the mind and is accessed through contemplation.
On the other hand, Aristotle hypothesized that truth is revealed through empirical evidence. Many years later, a 14th-century enlightened world accepted Aristotle’s empiricism as superior in determining truth.
Empiricism has helped us discern truth in the troubled presidencies of Bill Clinton and Richard Nixon. Mr. Clinton declared, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman.” However, DNA proved that it was his semen on her dress. Mr. Nixon declared, “I am not a crook.” However, audio recordings proved that he knew about the break-in of the Watergate offices of the DNC and then lied to cover it up.
Most Americans do not wish to think ill of elected officials. Nevertheless, it seems that President Donald Trump’s shortcomings regarding the truth are self-evident. Not only do his tweets lack empirical truth, but he directs White House aides Kellyanne Conway and Stephen Miller to make excuses for his inflammatory comments.
News reporters are beginning to confront their dismissive answers. Jake Tapper silenced Mr. Miller’s microphone when he refused to cease his overbearing discourse. When Ms. Conway stated that “nobody” in the White House talks about Hillary Clinton, Chris Cuomo retorted in a tweet, “Hey Kellyanne . . . is ‘nobody’ new potus code name?” Moreover, Dutch reporters showed no tolerance for the U.S. ambassador’s obstructive excuses, essentially saying, “American journalists might allow evasive answers, but we here in the Netherlands are tougher.”
JANE OFFUTT
Mt. Lebanon
Note from KBJ: This is the cartoon version of the history of philosophy.
