Truth, having a one-to-one correspondence between the map and the territory[1], is only useful if you’re able to accurately navigate an accurate map.
However, if, when navigating an accurate map, you still veer to the left when trying to reach your destination, you’re faced with two choices:
1) Un-value truth, and use whatever map gets you to your destination no matter the relation between the “map” and the territory.
2) Terminally value truth, damn the disutility of doing so!
[1] For convenience, I assume that the territory exists. (For some definitions of existence.)
Suppose person A is always 5 minutes late to every appointment. Someone secretly adjusts A’s watch to compensate for this, and now person A is always on-time.
Now, A is being fed misinformation continuously (the watch is never correct!), and yet, judging by behavior, A is extremely competent in navigating the world.
(Since “every truth is connected”, there is a problem with person B asking A for the time and so on, but suppose A uses the clock on the cellphone to synchronize the time against everyone else.)
Truth, having a one-to-one correspondence between the map and the territory[1], is only useful if you’re able to accurately navigate an accurate map.
However, if, when navigating an accurate map, you still veer to the left when trying to reach your destination, you’re faced with two choices: 1) Un-value truth, and use whatever map gets you to your destination no matter the relation between the “map” and the territory. 2) Terminally value truth, damn the disutility of doing so!
[1] For convenience, I assume that the territory exists. (For some definitions of existence.)
What would cause you to veer? Bias? Akrasia?
And what would bring you back on track? Wholesale disdain for truth? Or a careful selection of useful lies?
Suppose person A is always 5 minutes late to every appointment. Someone secretly adjusts A’s watch to compensate for this, and now person A is always on-time.
Now, A is being fed misinformation continuously (the watch is never correct!), and yet, judging by behavior, A is extremely competent in navigating the world.
(Since “every truth is connected”, there is a problem with person B asking A for the time and so on, but suppose A uses the clock on the cellphone to synchronize the time against everyone else.)