Truth vs. Perception

The concept of ‘truth’ versus ‘perception’ can be observed in nearly all aspects of life. What is the truth these days; in newspaper articles, current affair shows or stories that a friend is telling you, is it truth or is it a version of the truth? The complexities inherent in this concept of ‘truth’ versus ‘perception’ will be discussed in relation to two texts; “Twelve Angry Men” by Reginald Rose, and, “After the First Death” by Robert Cormier.

What is the key difference between ‘truth’ and ‘perception’, and which is more important? The truth is the reality of the fact while perception is the truth relative to oneself. The mind, the nature of the metaphysical of a human being is different to everyone else’s. Everyone has lived different lives; experiencing different passions, interests, suffering and possessing different capacities in knowledge. People are also brought up in different ways, belonging to different cultures and religions. This diverse array of factors is what makes us who we are, affecting and contributing to our views and perspectives. When contemplating the ‘truth’, it is filtered through a wide spectrum of experiences, knowledge and emotions, resulting in ones perception. For example, an orange is orange, which is the truth. If you look at it through green glasses, it will appear green but the truth is that the orange remains orange. Perception is like the green glasses, filtering the truth relative to the person that is perceiving it.

Twelve Angry Men is a really intriguing text that is clearly evident of the notion of truth and perception. It is about young boy on trial for the supposed murder of his aggressive father. Four days have passed where evidence is laid out, exhibits shown, witnesses are heard, statements of the plaintiff and the accused are given, and the twelve jurors watch and listen attentively. Now, it is the job of the jury to reach a verdict as a whole; twelve to nothing vote either way, guilty or innocent. The judge has