Jesting Pilate asks a question about:
AInnocence
BTheology
CTruth
DPolitics
Answer:
C. Truth
Read Explanation:
The Context of Pilate's Question
- The question, "What is truth?" is famously posed by Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea.
- This query occurs during the trial of Jesus, as described in the Gospel of John (John 18:38) in the New Testament of the Bible.
- Pilate's question is often interpreted as a moment of profound philosophical skepticism or cynicism, reflecting a disillusionment with the concept of objective truth in the face of political expediency.
Significance in Literature and Philosophy
- This rhetorical question has resonated throughout Western philosophy and literature, symbolizing the eternal human search for meaning and the elusive nature of absolute truth.
- It has been explored in countless theological, philosophical, and literary works, prompting discussions on relativism, objectivism, and the definition of reality.
- In English literature, the phrase is often alluded to or directly quoted to evoke themes of existential questioning, moral ambiguity, and the human condition.
Exam-Relevant Information
- Biblical Reference: John 18:38 is the primary source. Knowledge of key biblical figures and events is often tested in general knowledge and literature sections of competitive exams.
- Literary Allusions: Understanding such well-known phrases is crucial for interpreting literary works that reference them. Authors may use this allusion to lend weight to characters' philosophical dilemmas or to comment on societal attitudes towards truth.
- Philosophical Concepts: While the question is from a religious text, its implications are deeply philosophical, touching upon epistemology (the theory of knowledge) and metaphysics (the study of the nature of reality). Understanding these broader concepts can be beneficial for exams covering humanities.