The Whole Truth and Nothing but the Truth
Midwest Studies in Philosophy, Forthcoming
University of Miami Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2008-27
28 Pages Posted: 30 Jul 2008 Last revised: 15 Oct 2008
Date Written: July 24, 2008
Abstract
"Much truth is spoken, that more may be concealed," wrote Mr. Justice Darling in 1879. Opening with an articulation of the distinction between truth (the concept) and truths (particular true propositions), this paper is largely devoted to:
(1) developing an account of the dual meaning of "partially true" - "true-in-part" vs. "part of the truth"; and
(2) understanding the reasons for, and the dangers of, the very common tendency to tell only part of the relevant truth.
Keywords: truth, truths, partial truth, Ramsey, laconicism, vagueness, deception
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation