In Plato’s “ Allegory of the Cave” the truth is held to be valuable both instrumentally and intrinsically. We have power and choices when we know the truth that we don’t have when we don’t know the truth. And knowing the truth, even an ugly one, is still better than being a victim to a beautiful lie, even when there is no instrumental value to be had in knowing the truth. Do you agree? Is it always better to know the truth, even when it is ugly and disturbing?

A few specific examples may serve to underscore the importance of the question and to demonstrate what is at stake. You need not answer all these questions, but you may find that responding to one of them will help you answer the overarching question of whether it is always better to know the truth:

If your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife was cheating on you, would you want to know? Why or why not?
If your government or religious administration was corrupt would you want to know? Why or why not?
If your friends really thought poorly of you would you want to know? Why or why not?
If God does not exist, would you want to know? Why or why not?

CCO #4: Explain the importance and relevance of rationally and constructively questioning basic beliefs and assumptions

CCO #13: Describe ways in which philosophy is a dynamic discipline responsive to new discoveries in related fields