The Different Kinds of "Truths"
The word “truth” can mean different things for different people, in different situations. Some truths are based on facts, whilst others are based on opinions and may be true for one person but untrue for another.
The first kind of “truth” is one that people probably think of immediately; factual truths, or “objective truths” which are based on facts.
Objective truths – these truths are based on observations, data, and facts. For example, the knowledge that the Earth rotates around the Sun is an objective truth. This is not based on opinion and is true across the world, regardless of background or beliefs. An objective truth cannot be changed by someone else’s opinion.
The second kind of “truth” is one based on opinion and can differ from person to person; these “subjective truths” are opinions, which can be changed.
Subjective truths – these truths are based on beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and experiences. For example, one person may believe that someone is handsome, whilst another person may think they are not handsome. It is not that one of these people are lying, it is that their subjective truths are different. Subjective truths can be true for one person but may not be true for another person, and it is okay that these are different.
The third kind of “truth” is one based on fact and opinion, but this is changed for the benefit of someone else; “soft truths” are facts and/or opinions that have been changed slightly to fit social rules and can therefore be the most tricky to master.
Soft truths – these truths are based on fact and/or opinion, but have been altered in some way to make them “softer”; these are also known as “white lies”. This can be seen, for example, if a friend asks another friend if they look nice in their dress. Whilst the honest answer may be “I don’t like it, it doesn’t look nice”, this can hurt someone’s feelings. A more appropriate answer might be a “soft truth”. A “soft truth” response might be closer to, “I’m not sure, maybe you could try something else”. Soft truths are a part of social rules; it is not that the soft truth is a lie or manipulation, it is a variation of the truth that spares someone’s feelings whilst giving the same message.