Everything about Truthmaker theory
Branch of metaphysics
Truthmaker theory is "the branch of metaphysics that explores the relationships between what is true and what exists". The basic intuition behind truthmaker theory is that truth depends on being. For example, a perceptual experience of a green tree may be said to be true because there actually is a green tree. But if there were no tree there, it would be false. So the experience by itself does not ensure its truth or falsehood, it depends on something else. Expressed more generally, truthmaker theory is the thesis that "the truth of truthbearers depends on the existence of truthmakers". A perceptual experience is the truthbearer in the example above. Various representational entities, like beliefs, thoughts or assertions can act as truthbearers. Truthmaker theorists are divided about what type of entity plays the role of truthmaker; popular candidates include states of affairs and tropes. Wikipedia →
🧭 Start here: a 6-step reading path
- Read the overview: Truthmaker theoryA 5-minute orientation
- Skim a recent paper: Alethic pluralism and truthmaker theoryInfluential work since 2022
- Pick up a classic book: Truth and truth-makingThe most-reprinted book on the subject
- Read the landmark paper: A Theory of Truthmaker Content I: Conjunction, Disjunction and NegationCited 143 times
- Go sideways: ActualismA closely related topic
- Go sideways: MetaethicsA closely related topic
📖 Definitions
No dictionary entry for this exact phrase.
🗂️ The subject at a glance
🏆 Landmark papers (most cited)
A Theory of Truthmaker Content I: Conjunction, Disjunction and Negation
A Theory of Truthmaker Content II: Subject-matter, Common Content, Remainder and Ground
From Humean Truthmaker Theory to Priority Monism1
Tensed Truthmaker Theory
Undermining truthmaker theory
Orthodox truthmaker theory cannot be defended by cost/benefit analysis
Truthmaker Theory without Truthmakers
The Truthmaker Account Is Not a Causal Theory
🆕 Influential since 2022
📚 Books worth reading
Truth and truth-makingLowe, E. J., A. Rami · 2009
MetaphysicsJonathan Tallant · 2011
Theory of TruthmakingJamin Asay · 2020- 📕Companion to David LewisBarry Loewer, Jonathan Schaffer · 2015
The Many Roots of Medieval LogicJohn Marenbon · 2007- 📕Grounding and explanationFabrice Correia, Benjamin Schnieder · 2012
- 📕God and necessityBrian Leftow · 2012
- 📕TruthChase B. Wrenn · 2015
Ranked by number of editions on Open Library, a rough measure of how lasting a book is.
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