3 Paths to Truth

Truth is the conformity of

the intellect to things.

1. Through a priori reasoning that is coherent and logical

(not dependent on experience)- Rational explanation

2. Through a posteriori empirical data- which

confirms that this belief or truth claim
squares with sense perception or
experience- or what can be perceived by the
senses.

To

see is to believe.

2.1 Scientific standardsTo the scientist standard is the

laboratory. If a phenomenon is
capable of being repeated in a
laboratory under the same
conditions with the same results,
then the phenomenon is accepted
as true.

2.2 Judicial standardsThe lawyers say no to hearsay. Only

that which is personally known
(witness)
and passes the test of cross
examination can be the basis of
judicial judgment.

3.

Appeal to authority- a recognized authority/expert

confirms the belief as true.

To have faith is to be sure of the things we

hope for, to be certain of the things we
cannot see It is by faith that we understand
that the universe was created by Gods word,
that what can be seen was made out of what
cannot be seen. (Heb. 11, Good News Bible)

To believe is to see.

The Word
God
Jesus Christ
Sacred Scriptures
The Church Magisterium
Theologians

Theology appeals to the authority of Gods Word in

Scriptures and Churchs Tradition/Teaching
authority.

 St. Paul
St. Augustine
St. Thomas Aquinas
Karl Rahner
Yves Marie Congar
John Henry Newman

Application Paper #2
Using the three paths, determine
the truth of something or
someone you have always
believed to be true.

 Apply the related concept/s learned

in Theology
250 minimum number of words
Single-spaced
Justify
Speak in the first person.