Truth and Goodness

 Truth and Goodness

Horkheimer’s critique of Kant was over the assumption that the good brought happiness!

‘Good or happiness’ - many philosophers believe that “good” means happiness, which is not always clear cut. Good is too often a non-cognitive term. And, good does not necessarily lead to happiness.

Truth also is somewhat vague. Truth as truth-telling is different from truth as factual. One can be telling the truth in terms of their (emotional) state of mind or consciously while being completely erroneous about the facts. But, many philosophers equate truth and rightness, that in being “right” they articulate the truth which is not appropriate. 

The standard for truth is rationality which means that the truth or rightness claim is rationally motivated by a justified, warranted and grounded consensus which includes the perspectives of all. In other words, evidence is necessary.

There are unpreventable preventions of nature’s wrath. Humans are part of nature, can understand nature and rationally control it. Humans can prevent catastrophes.

Truth in your description adds to 'facts' both values and metaphysics, i.e. "beyond factuality" you said!

 Truth addresses the accuracy, or adequacy of descriptions about facts. Truth includes several dilemmas beyond the fact-value difference. For example, to explain an event or a happening - why it emerged and how to formulate it, truth must address both teleology or goal-directedness - how certain goals or aims determined or influenced the event, and causality, the causes, reasons and intentions that led to the effects and consequences. 

Formulating the truth about events, or changes, involves interpretation and reinterpretations, like attributing properly the teleological and causative elements of the event, and the dilemmas of fragility between impulses and morality, and between rules and meanings.