Devitt's Theory of Truth

Description: This quiz is designed to assess your understanding of Michael Devitt's theory of truth, which is a correspondence theory of truth that emphasizes the importance of causal relations between propositions and facts.
Number of Questions: 5
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Tags: epistemology philosophy of language correspondence theory of truth
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According to Devitt, what is the primary condition for a proposition to be true?

  1. The proposition must be consistent with other true propositions.

  2. The proposition must be believed by a majority of people.

  3. The proposition must correspond to an existing fact.

  4. The proposition must be useful in practice.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Devitt argues that truth is a matter of correspondence between propositions and facts. A proposition is true if and only if it corresponds to an existing fact.

What is the role of causal relations in Devitt's theory of truth?

  1. Causal relations are necessary for propositions to be true.

  2. Causal relations are sufficient for propositions to be true.

  3. Causal relations are neither necessary nor sufficient for propositions to be true.

  4. Causal relations are irrelevant to the truth of propositions.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Devitt argues that causal relations are necessary for propositions to be true. He claims that a proposition can only be true if it is caused by the fact that it corresponds to.

How does Devitt's theory of truth differ from other correspondence theories of truth?

  1. Devitt's theory emphasizes the importance of causal relations.

  2. Devitt's theory is more restrictive than other correspondence theories.

  3. Devitt's theory is less restrictive than other correspondence theories.

  4. Devitt's theory is unrelated to other correspondence theories.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Devitt's theory of truth differs from other correspondence theories of truth in that it emphasizes the importance of causal relations. Devitt argues that causal relations are necessary for propositions to be true.

What are some of the criticisms of Devitt's theory of truth?

  1. Devitt's theory is too restrictive.

  2. Devitt's theory is too vague.

  3. Devitt's theory is circular.

  4. Devitt's theory is incompatible with other theories of truth.


Correct Option:
Explanation:

Devitt's theory of truth has been criticized on a number of grounds, including that it is too restrictive, too vague, circular, and incompatible with other theories of truth.

Despite the criticisms, what are some of the strengths of Devitt's theory of truth?

  1. Devitt's theory is simple and straightforward.

  2. Devitt's theory is supported by a wide range of evidence.

  3. Devitt's theory is compatible with other theories of truth.

  4. Devitt's theory has been influential in contemporary philosophy.


Correct Option:
Explanation:

Despite the criticisms, Devitt's theory of truth has a number of strengths, including that it is simple and straightforward, supported by a wide range of evidence, compatible with other theories of truth, and has been influential in contemporary philosophy.

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