fact

1. By definition, a fact is something known with certainty through experience, obserbation, or measurement. A fact can be objectively demonstrated and verified. A fact is something that people agree corresponds to reality.
2. It is not easy for us to determine whether facts correspond to reality. This can only be determined over time with repeated feedback and testing.
3. The difference between facts and fiction does matter.
4. Feelings are facts; they can distort or enhance our perceptions, depending on how conscious we are of their prsence.
5. Facts are not absolutes but statements of probability.
6. Because we are dependent on confirmation from others in our search for facts, social pressures can lead us to distrust or distort our own perceptions.
7. Our senses are limited both in range and capacity and are affected by many factors such as selective focus and mental preoccupations
8. Facts must be expressed in carefully formulated statements that have the following characteristics;
a. They define their own limitations.
b. They are objectively stated.
c. They use appropriate qualifiers.
d. They state the obvious.
e. They are not inappropriately cautious
f. They do not include guesses or inferences.
g. They are specific and offer their evidence for others to verify.
9. The standards traditionally used to determine facts are verifiability, reliability, probability, and plausibility. Facts have to undergo the test of time and repetition and not contradict other known facts.



Chapter3 - TFY - Facts Exercise

P94 Chapter Quiz
1. Some facts can be determined by measurements.
True
2. Some facts can be confirmed by the senses, others by records.
False
3. The most reliable facts are those that have been repeatedly confirmed by test over time.
True
4. Facts often consist of obvious details that are seen but not consciously recognized.
True
5. Sometimes what we clam to be fact are untrue because the human perceptions used to determine them are limited and fallible.
True
6. A person educated in critical thinking qualifies statements to reflect probabilities such as it appears that...
True
7. Often it is hard to make a decision because we do not have enough facts.
True
8. The study of many subjects consists of memorizing facts.
True
9. All newspapers can be depended upon as reliable sources of facts about world events.
False
10. An atmosphere that permits disagreements about widely accepted perceptions and belief helps critical thinking to flourish.
True