THE STRUGGLE FOR TRUTH IN POLITICS: OVERCOMING RELATIVISM AND LIES

Abstract

This paper explores the intricate relationship between truth and politics, discussing the philosophical and ethical implications of their interplay within democratic societies. The rise of post-truth politics, where emotional resonance overshadows truth in general, poses significant challenges to democratic values and institutions. The study examines the philosophical debates around political relativism, highlighting its impact on democratic principles, which can undermine rational discourse and informed citizenship. It draws on the insights of Hannah Arendt and Steven Lukes into the vulnerability of facts in political discourse, underscoring the tension between truth and political power. Through a synthesis of theoretical perspectives, this paper argues that the vitality of democratic systems crucially relies on the safeguarding of truth. It emphasizes the role of intellectuals, truth-tracking institutions, and optimistic standpoints toward people's rational abilities in navigating through the complexities of maintaining the integrity of today's public discourse.