Fact
An individual fact is said to be explained by pointing out its cause, that is, by stating the law or laws of causation, of which its production is an instance.
John Stuart Mill (1862)Facts are "events that occur" or "the state of being of things" that are referred to. Facts exist independent of theory. Scientists do not construct facts, but make observations about things that refer to or represent the facts through theory. Unlike other terms of science, facts in science are similar in definition and interpretation relative to their use in common language. While the term "scientific fact" appears in the literature, facts transcend all human activity such that science cannot lay claim to them. Facts exist in the public domain inasmuch as they exist in science. In the practice and writing of science, however, there are two very broad and even oppositional classes of fact: 1) manifest, and 2) inferential.
Read more about this topic: Evolution As Fact And Theory, Evolution, Fact and Theory
Famous quotes containing the word fact:
“Religion means goal and way, politics implies end and means. The political end is recognizable by the fact that it may be attained—in success—and its attainment is historically recorded. The religious goal remains, even in man’s highest experiences, that which simply provides direction on the mortal way; it never enters into historical consummation.”
—Martin Buber (1878–1965)
“Today, the degradation of the inner life is symbolized by the fact that the only place sacred from interruption is the private toilet.”
—Lewis Mumford (1895–1990)
“Prejudices are useless. Call Los Angeles any dirty name you like—Six Suburbs in Search of a City, Paradise with a Lobotomy, anything—but the fact remains that you are already living in it before you get there.”
—Clive James (b. 1939)