Belief, Truth, and Knowledge

Knowledge, truth and belief are all categories that you personally define things under. These three categories are all linked to each other. Knowledge is defined as aquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation. In order for someone to have knowledge of a topic, they must first believe this knowledge to be true. Therefore, knowledge may also be defined as something believed to be true.

Belief is defined as an opinion or conviction. However, a belief may either be true or false. You may believe in something and it could be completely false, like believing in flying pigs. However, you may also believe in something that is based upon factual evidence, as in 2+2=4. You may also believe in something with or without knowledge of what it is you believe. You may believe that there are flying pigs, but exactly how is it that these pigs can fly? You have no idea, but you still believe. Now, 2+2=4 is something you KNOW to be true because it has been mathematically proven.

Truth is defined as the true or actual state of a matter. Most things that are true are believed by most and are known to many. However, truth usually requires evidence to be accepted by people. Sometimes the truth can not be proven. Take a murder case, where the defendant is accused of a crime that he or she did not commit, yet they can't prove it. The truth is they didn't murder anyone, but it there is no evidence to prove it. It doesn't make it any less true, though.