An Honest Truth

Interestingly enough, the title that I've chosen for this blog is just as problematic as the concept itself. As is often the case, I am frustrated by sayings and phrases I hear that are, by definition, repetitive or contradictory. So, yes, I realize that this now spoils some of the surprise of the rant that may follow, but I cannot help but acknowledge the redundancy in my own title.

Anyway, this title (despite being a common saying) was not the phrase that led to this conversation. Rather, in my attempt to develop a creative or intriguing title I stumbled upon a second related redundancy. My original intention was to draw your attention to the phrase "true fact". More commonly used in the full sentence (yes, I'm thinking of just this one) such as, "that's a true fact". WELL DUH! But, before I go on my tirade, lets confirm our impressions:

The following are based on the Oxford English Dictionary (online):

fact: "Something that has really occurred or is actually the case; something certainly known to be of this character; hence, a particular truth known by actual observation or authentic testimony, as opposed to what is merely inferred, or to a conjecture or fiction"

I would like to call attention to my favorite set of word "a particular truth".

true: "Of a statement or belief: Consistent with fact; agreeing with the reality; representing the thing as it is."

Again, let attention be called to "Consistent with fact".

Need I say more? Likely not, but I will continue anyway! So, "true fact" is referring to a statement or thing that is a true - consistent with fact - fact - a particular truth. This is not only redundant but its circular! (I do love circles... see my previous writing on simplifying the area formula: http://tb13logbored.blogspot.com/2011/07/simplified-solution.html) So, we could argue the merits of this claim two ways. First, it is always correct and therefore always accurate to say. Is it true? Is it a fact? If its one it's both. If its both then it's obviously a "true fact".

Secondly, what if we consider the phrase "true fact" to be self-fulfilling. Can a statement of claim be true without being a fact? Can a fact be a fact without being true? I fear that perhaps the claim that an idea or thought is a "true fact" actually defeats the authenticity of an argument by presenting a claim that is consistent with only (and supports only) itself.

So, now that my main idea has been presented, I need to address the issue of my title. I think most of us have at one point heard the phrase "it's the honest truth" (or one similar to it). Again, referring to the dictionary, we can find the definition of honest: "That deals fairly and uprightly in speech and act; sincere, truthful, candid; that will not lie, cheat, or steal." Once again we can identify a keyword in "truthful". Well, if it is actually the truth, I certainly hope it's truthful!

So, i'm not saying you should never hear the phrases, or that you should be mad at those who do use them. However, I'd like to point out the redundancies that exist so that we can simplify our language, and clean our arguments. Language is an art. Be concise in what you say. The more wordy you become, the more you hide the truth from the eyes of the many.