The spelling of the phrase "selfevident truths" can be a bit tricky. The first element is "self-", which is pronounced /sɛlf/. Then, "evident" is spelled with an "e" but pronounced with a short "i" sound, /ˈɛvɪdənt/. Finally, "truths" follows the regular spelling rules, with the short "u" sound, /truθz/. Putting it all together, the phrase is pronounced /sɛlfˈɛvɪdənt truθz/. It refers to ideas that are obvious or apparent without the need for explanation or evidence.
Self-evident truths are concepts or principles that are immediately clear and indisputable without the need for external evidence or reasoning. These truths are perceived as obvious and universally accepted due to their inherent nature or inherent qualities. They are intuitive and need no further explanation or justification.
Self-evident truths are often regarded as axiomatic, serving as fundamental assumptions upon which further knowledge is built. They embody basic, unquestionable concepts that form the foundation of logical reasoning and philosophical discourse. These truths are commonly associated with matters of morality, ethics, metaphysics, and philosophy.
The concept of self-evident truths originated in early philosophical thought, with the Greek philosophers considering them as foundational principles from which all other knowledge derived. This idea was further elaborated upon during the period of Enlightenment, when philosophers like John Locke and Thomas Jefferson emphasized the importance of self-evident truths as the basis of human rights and individual freedoms.
Self-evident truths are often cited as self-evident in important historical documents. Perhaps the most famous example is the United States Declaration of Independence, which states that "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights..."
Overall, self-evident truths are essential in understanding basic philosophical concepts and acting as the foundation for rational thought and reasoning. They represent universally accepted ideas that require no further support or explanation.
The term "self-evident truths" originated in Thomas Jefferson's drafting of the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776. The etymology of the phrase can be broken down as follows:
1. Self: This word comes from the Old English "self", which means "one's own person, the same", and is related to the German word "selb", meaning "self".
2. Evident: The word "evident" stems from the Latin "evidentem" (nominative "evidens"), meaning "clear, plain, evident". It is derived from the prefix "ex-" (meaning "out") and the root "videre" (meaning "to see").
3. Truths: The noun "truth" can be traced back to the Old English word "trēowth", meaning "faith, faithfulness, loyalty".