Wow. ‘Local truth’ might be a useful concept.

Courtesy #ChatGPT

Local truth is a concept that can have different meanings depending on the context—philosophical, scientific, computational, or social. At its core, it refers to something that is considered true within a limited context, rather than universally.

Here are a few interpretations:

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1. Philosophical / Epistemological Meaning

• Local truth is a proposition or belief that is true relative to a specific perspective, culture, framework, or set of assumptions.

• It contrasts with universal truth, which is supposed to hold true across all contexts.

Example: In some cultures, eye contact shows respect; in others, it’s considered rude. Each interpretation is a local truth.

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2. Scientific / Physical Meaning

• In physics or cosmology, a local truth might refer to truths that are valid within a specific frame of reference (e.g., locally flat space in general relativity).

• Something can be “locally valid” even if it’s not globally consistent.

Example: Newton’s laws are a local truth—they work well on Earth but break down at relativistic speeds or quantum scales.

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3. Computational / Programming Context

• In distributed systems, a node may operate based on its local truth—its own data, time, or state—which might differ from the system’s global state due to latency or lack of synchronization.

Example: A blockchain node’s current view of the chain is its local truth—it may not yet see the longest chain.

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4. Social / Narrative Context

• In storytelling or identity, a local truth can refer to a person’s subjective experience or a community’s shared belief that is true for them, even if others dispute it.

Example: “Her story is her local truth—it’s how she lived and understood the events.”

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In sum, local truth emphasizes contextual validity over universal objectivity. It reminds us that truth is often situated, shaped by environment, frame of reference, or perspective.