On Truth

A somewhat longer part 2 to Dr. Frankfurt's book "On B.S." (I use B.S. because Amazon will not let me write the real word in a review, but you know what it stands for...). Here he briefly explores the epistemological structure of truth along with its social, political, and psychological importance and the need to reject the corrosive postmodernist idea that there is no such thing as "truth". A short book, easy to read, very much food for thought in these troubling times. Dr. Frankfurt is a legend in the field of philosophy of mind and the subject of free will. This little book well worth the read.

Dr. Frankfurt, the author of this book, explicitly makes clear that this book was intended as an extension to his very original and insightful previous book "On BS". In that book Dr. Frankfurt elaborated on why he thought that BS was such a danger to society and did so not only quite well but in a very original manner. Few authors covered the subject previously in a serious manner, never mind in the insightful and original manner that he did.This reviewer was expecting more of the same albeit knowing full well that this would be much more difficult, especially considering the fact that the topic has been covered in a much more extensive depth throughout all history. Unfortunately Dr. Frankfurt was not able to match his previous book, "On BSt" in terms of either originality or depth of insight. The reasons are for the obvious fact that this topic has been so well and thoroughly covered throughout human history. Dr. Frankfurt cites the many reasons that have been so many times cited before such as those cited by Kant, Aristotle and many other before (i.e., without truth making a decision as to how to optimize actions are impossible, etc.). Thus this book lacks both the originality and in-depth insights of his previous "On BS". A real let down albeit expected considering the quantity and quality of writing on this topic in the past.On the positive side he does sum up previous thought on this subject quite well. Hence anyone interested would do well to read it, just for the summary if nothing else. In addition, the audiobook is relatively well read. Never a monotone or boring moment.

I was hooked from the first page, where Frankfurt explains one of the first principles about the truth -- that, for any functioning society, first and foremost the truth is actually a *useful* thing. Despite being just a short essay, this book reads as a complete compendium to a fascinating subject. I find his writing style superb and the clarity of his thinking an absolute inspiration. With On BS, these two books make an excellent addition to any thinking person's bookshelf or ebook. Not to mention that his dismissal of post-modernism's view of the truth is as hilarious as it is compelling. A very enjoyable and worthwhile little book.

Very interesting look a truth, what it is, how we see it and how we use it. With the lack of it all around us now we have to get back to it.

Another short, pithy volume by Harry Frankfurt. Much to think about, especially relevant in the current political climate.

Smart mate to his book On Bulls***.

A little disappointing. Really just a short essay and OK, but not great.

Good counterpoint to On Bulls***, but not nearly as good. But still, good to give as part pf a set. I would not give it alone though.