|
||
Definition:
The term 'fact' is used quite a lot, but explaining what it is can be very difficult. Usually a
'fact' is though of as some thing that exists out in the world, independent of minds or thoughts
and having an objective validity. But is a chair a fact? No - though it's existence is. Facts
aren't quite situations or relationships, either.
It seems necessary to reject the notion that facts exists 'out there' and instead treat them as entities which are closely related to thought and language. Genuine facts are always true, but a fact isn't quite the same as a true proposition. It also wouldn't be correct to say that facts depend upon how we view the world - no one would accept the idea that facts are dependent upon us in such a fashion.
It might, however, be fair to say that a 'fact' is a manner in which we understand the world. A 'fact' may be true whether we know or acknowledge it or not, but it doesn't really become a 'fact' until we know and understand it - that's the distinction between 'fact' and 'truth.' A fact is, then, a truth that we have some relationship with. It's not entirely "out there," but it's also not simply a product of our thoughts.
Also Known As: credence, trust, reliance, assurance, opinion
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?
