1773.On True

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On "True" and "Authentic" * I propose to use "true" and its cognates as qualifying a belief or an assertion insofar as it corresponds to reality.

• "Authentic" and its cognates, by contrast, I propose to use as qualifying human existence
• I propose to define the two terms in relabon to one another as follows: (= self-understanding, or faith), insofar as it is realistic, and thus in accordance with ultimate reality. (= self-understanding, or faith) is authentic if, and only if, the metaphysical beliefs it implies are true, even as the moral actions it implies are right or just; and if, and only if, the human existence (= self-understanding, or faith) implying them is authentic.

(1) human existence

(2) metaphysical beliefs are true, even as moral actions are right or just,

28 June 1980; rev. 02/19/96