Reflection to The Truman Show
Reflection Point
On what grounds do we doubt a claim?
Central Opinion
We doubt a claim based on three criteria – informational paradox; reasonability; and critical
thinking.
Informational Paradox
Information includes individual’s knowledge towards the claim, and the meaning of a claim to
convey. We compare two portions of information, to check if any paradox is present. In The
Truman Show, Truman found his wife made a cross hand on the photo of their marriage – it
was a lie, this gesture was abnormal for a bride to present in a wedding, there was something
wrong with their marriage.
Reasonability
The reasonability of the claim itself may contribute to one’s doubt. In the scene of Truman having
conflict with his wife, he pulled her, and she screamed, begging for help. This unreasonable action
made her suspicious. Before this action, she was speaking a long paragraph of words about
Mococoa drink, and it was extraordinarily similar to advertising. This stiff and unrelaxed transition
was doubtful; it was improper to say this advertise-liked speech at that moment as well.
Critical Thinking
The matter of critical thinking is essential, it enables you to doubt a claim without blindly
conforming to other’s opinion. Truman was almost persuaded by Marlon for not leaving that land
forever, but he persisted in escaping from that trap. Everyone told him his concerns are
meaningless and fake, they wish him to stay, but he was brave enough to oppose the majority
and think critically, following his true self, the superego.