Comparing Kitcher's Subversive Truth And Ideals Of Progress

Assessing the value behind truth, and whether or not that value is beneficial, results in numerous possible theories. The idea that truth is relative to progression cannot be proven, as there are many other factors that give life meaning. Multiple suggestions about subversive truth are constantly debated. Philip Kitcher, in his work, “Subversive Truth and Ideals of Progress,” analyzes these possibilities in an attempt to reason with the unresolved.
Kitcher’s constant reference to Thomas Huxley, in Huxley’s expression that “truth is better than much profit,” questions truth in relation to happiness. According to Kitcher, Huxley’s statement holds the importance of knowledge, or a clear mind, superior to ignorance or momentary joy. In other words, universal answers are more beneficial to mankind than the temporary contentment
Whether or not the truth is “good” or “bad” to an individual or a society, Kitcher agrees that the ultimate truth results in further progression compared to trivial denial. Kitcher describes the idea that current generations, being more advanced, are better-off than societies of the past. This is in result of having obtained more truths throughout societal development. Kitcher goes into detail: the successors’ values possibly cannot be attained, the transitional group suffers for the truth, and finally, the resulting societies reveals the truth- no matter its “benefit.” Unfortunately, as Kitcher believes, these societies are not content with the truth because of their morphed values (caused by previous generations). Kitcher, believing it unfair for a small group to suffer for the rest of humanity, continues with his explanation that modern societies balance great risks and small advancements. But due to large population size and differing lifestyles, not everyone faces the same situations. Thus, advantages and disadvantages seem to only be influenced by