At the outset, truth was defined as the "correspondence" or "agreement"
of an idea with its object. But we have seen that correspondence or
agreement with an object means the completion and determination of the
idea itself, and since the idea is here a specific "plan of action," it
would seem that the "true" idea would be the one that can complete
itself by stimulating a satisfying activity. The false idea would be
one that cannot complete itself in a satisfying activity, such as
singing in tune, constructing a mathematical equation, etc., and just
this solution is very clearly expounded by our author. In the case of
mathematical inquiry,
In just so far as we _pause satisfied_ we observe that there "is
no other" mathematical fact to be sought _in the direction of the
particular inquiry in hand_. Satisfaction of purpose by means of
_presented fact_ and such determinate satisfaction as sends us to
no other experience for further light and fulfillment, precisely
this outcome is itself the Other that is sought when we begin our
inquiry.[194]
So "when other facts of experience are sought," if I watch for stars or
for a chemical precipitate, or for a turn in the stock market, or in the
sickness of a friend, my ideas are true when they are satisfied with
"the presented facts." Again,
It follows that the finally determinate form of the object of any
finite idea is that form which the idea itself would assume
whenever it became individuated, or in other words, became a
completely determined idea, an idea or will fulfilled by a wholly
adequate empirical content, for which no other content need be
substituted or from the point of view of the satisfied idea, could
be substituted.[195]
In such passages as these it seems clear that the test of the truth of
an idea is its power to bring us to the point where we "pause
satisfied," where "no other content need be substituted," etc. Nor in
such passages does there seem to be any doubt of reaching satisfaction
in particular cases. Here, it appears, we _may_ sing in tune, we _may_
get the desired precipitate, and possibly even interpret the stock
market correctly. Of course, the discord, the hunger, the loss, will
come again; but so will new ideas, new truths. "Man thinks in order to
get control of his world and thereby of himself."[196] Then the control
actually gained must measure the value, the truth of his thought. Do you
wish to sing in tune, "then your musical ideas are false if they lead
you to strike what are then called false notes."[197]
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