1. THE TRUTH Absolute, Relative, Perceived, Agreed upon, or Measured

2. Four Models • Religious Model: The Truth is absolute as set by GOD. We need no evidence to subscribe to this truth; faith alone grant’s us access. • Reason Model: GOD’s truth is revealed through the exercise of reason • Empirical Model: The Truth is what your experience defines it to be. • Scientific Model: The Truth is unattainable because all knowledge is intrinsically uncertain

3. Dissemination of Truth • Elite dictates to the masses  common among all periods we are discussing • Aristotle and Logic • Enlightened Elite • Established churches/priesthoods • Kings by divine right • The Party (USSR); The Nazis

4. Why Does This Matter? • Governments and Societies will organize themselves around one of those four models for the truth and its dissemination • This class has attempted to demonstrate that in a historical context. • Very different governmental and societal structures can arise, depending upon which Truth Model is adopted • When based on Absolute truth  institutions can have Absolute power; intolerance is rampant

5. Structure of Society • Seems to require authoritative figures or structures to lay down the laws. • The empirical approach has never been adopted by formal civilization there are no authority figures in this as each person’s experience will be different. This model remains in the domain of individual tribes. • Scientific approach can offer a more balanced view between individual freedom and equality for all