SMS Scholars Talk: Objective Reality in a Society Sleepwalking to Oblivion

Objective Reality in a Society Sleepwalking to Oblivion
A Reflection on Truth Across Disciplines

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking to the Scholars about a subject that sits at the heart of every serious intellectual tradition: the search for Truth.

The title of the talk — “Objective Reality in a Society Sleepwalking to Oblivion” — was deliberately provocative. It was intended to raise an urgent question: in an age saturated with opinion, algorithm-driven narratives, and curated identities, does objective reality still matter? And if so, how do we recognise it?

The search for Truth in was eliminated from Physics, Mathematics and Philosophy. Finally, we considered theology. Theology takes the search one step further by asking whether truth is not only propositional but personal. The talk concluded with the statement from Jesus, “I am the way, the Truth and the life.”, C.S. Lewis challenged us all by saying there are only three conclusions, Jesus was either mad, a liar or he is actually the Truth.

The final slide in the presentation was to “Stay Curious”. In a world that often rewards noise over substance, the pursuit of objective reality remains one of the most noble human endeavours. Whether through experiment, proof, argument or faith, the quest for truth is what anchors civilisation against the tide of confusion.

Mr Plunkett Physics B.Sc Hons – King’s College London