The difference between Truth and Fact
-
- Posts: 5161
- Joined: December 21st, 2010, 1:25 am
- Favorite Philosopher: Eclectic -Various
Re: The difference between Truth and Fact
For discussion sake, there are two main categories of truths, i.e.;
1. Absolutely absolute unconditional truths.
2. Truths conditional upon a framework.
Re 1, there is no such thing as a claim for absolutely absolute unconditional truths, e.g. God exist unconditionally as an absolutely absolute. The 'moon' exists regardless of any humans. This issue is obviously very contentious leading to the question on objective independent things, philosophical realism versus philosophical anti-realism.
Re 2, I believe all truths are conditional upon a framework set by humans.
If it has nothing to do with humans, then all should shut up as Wittgenstein advocated,
"Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent."
Conditional truths are defined as premises and conclusions in compliance with a specific framework.
Scientific truths conform and comply with the Scientific framework (scientific method etc.).
Legal truths conform and comply with whatever the defined framework.
Common sense truth conform with a generally accepted common sense framework.
Divine truths are those that comply with a specific divine framework.
Etc. etc. etc. conformance to a specifically human defined framework.
The above are effected based on consensus.
Generally there are degrees of truths, i.e. 0% to 99.99%.
The determination of such degrees depend on the degree of objectivity and subjectivity embedded in arriving at the above truth.
Scientific truths [polished conjectures] has a high degree of truth because it has a high degree of objectivity [verifiability, testability, repeatability, empirical evidence, etc.] and also elements of subjectivity.
Theistic truths [as claimed] has low degrees of truth because they are highly subjectivity with no or very minimal objectivity.
Facts are statements of truths extracted from a specific framework.
The question of how factual and true are these statements will depend on a detailed analysis of the defined framework.
Theists will claim 'God exists' is a fact and a truth. Who can make a final decision on this?
The only recourse is to subject such a claim of 'fact' and 'truth' to the above process of establishing and qualifying that fact or truth to its specific framework.
In practice, not many theists will claim 'god exists' as a fact and truth, but will concede such a claim to be based on faith [truth not based on critical reason nor proofs].
- MindfulMystic
- New Trial Member
- Posts: 8
- Joined: March 23rd, 2017, 9:02 pm
Re: The difference between Truth and Fact
2024 Philosophy Books of the Month
2023 Philosophy Books of the Month
Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul
by Mitzi Perdue
February 2023
Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness
by Chet Shupe
March 2023