Is there a difference between objectively true and fact?

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In summary, the terms "fact" and "truth" may have different meanings depending on the context in which they are used.
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Joseph Richard
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Good night people,
Is there a difference between these terms, I had this doubt when I was reading an article about Neil deGrasse Tyson on El País, Is there a difference between these terms?
 
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Context is everything.
 
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I read it in Portuguese: http://brasil.elpais.com/brasil/2016/06/30/ciencia/1467281442_280683.html
 
  • #4
I think that this is a question that is best addressed under the headings of epistemology and ontology. I suspect this may be outside the scope of physicsforums.com.

However, a short answer (which may or may not address the OP's question) is that the terms are generally understood to have clearly and substantially different definitions. Further exploration of this issue will be left as an exercise.

diogenesNY
 
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  • #5
Yes, in several ways. 1) facts are events so it depends on whether or not you view a fact as being capable of being separate from an event. One example of this may be proof theory. 2) Facts can be falsified and thus not objectively true.
 
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I think being objectively true means satisfying some specific truth conditions under which the subject matter is being discussed. Meanwhile, a fact is a conclusion expressed or stated for something that has occurred as a truth that as said is not always necessarily true.
 
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Hum ... So, E = mc² is a objectively true, here to the Earth is also a fact, and to another parts to the universe is not a objectively true, in conditions that there be more advanced civilizations than us? I ask dorries to people here if I am very ignorant in this subject.
 
  • #8
Curious,
Why facts can be falsified and not truths? I thought that the true can be falsified and not facts, why?
 
  • #9
I think "truths" is a misleading concept. The question to my mind is whether or not a system of information is physically instantiable. If it is, then it is subject to experiment and it is also an event.
 
  • #10
Joseph Richard said:
Hum ... So, E = mc² is a objectively true, here to the Earth is also a fact,...
If you bluntly state E = mc² as you believe that is what it is based on your physics background without any further explanation, what you state I think is more of a fact to the audience who share with you the same knowledge about the origin of the formula. And it is both objectively true and a fact if you explain why and how E = mc² though.
Off-topic: millions years ago, we swam in water, now we walk with 2 feet. That formula exists only some hundreds of years or so. Earth condition changes in the next million years or so would probably change it too. Maybe there could be another Einstein or Newton etc.
 

FAQ: Is there a difference between objectively true and fact?

What is the definition of objective truth?

Objective truth refers to information or statements that are based on facts and can be verified through evidence or observation. It is independent of personal opinions or biases.

How does objective truth differ from subjective truth?

Subjective truth is based on personal beliefs, opinions, and experiences, while objective truth is based on verifiable facts. Subjective truth can vary from person to person, while objective truth remains constant.

Can something be objectively true but not a fact?

No, if something is objectively true, it is considered a fact. Objective truth is based on facts that can be proven through evidence or observation, and therefore, it is synonymous with the concept of a fact.

Is it possible for something to be a fact but not objectively true?

No, if something is considered a fact, it is also considered objectively true. Facts are objective in nature because they are based on evidence and can be verified by anyone.

Are there any drawbacks to relying solely on objective truth?

While objective truth is important for making informed decisions and understanding the world, it is not always able to capture the complexity of certain situations. It is important to also consider subjective perspectives and personal experiences to have a well-rounded understanding of a topic.

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