Does a fact have to be true?

Question

My son asked me if something sounds like a fact but it isn't true is it still a fact? I have no idea how to answer that. My first thought was "no" but since we may never know if something is true are there no facts.

Answer 1

A fact, to me, is a piece of correct information. That's my definition, but it seems reasonable. So, notice it has to be CORRECT.
Therefore, if something isn't true, it can't be a fact. It could be thought to be a fact until you find out the truth, but then you find out it wasn't true and, so, was never a fact, either.

Answer 2

To provide an example to answer your question, if it is a fact that a tree is growing in your back-yard, then the same is true ... enough said...


Philosophy is a discipline that can be incredibly complex, but some philosophical questions can be answered by very straight-forward common sense examples.


And another thing, if someone talks or writes in a simple clear fashion, it does not necessarily mean that he is lacking intellectual prowess, it may means that he is capable of communicating clearly and intelligibly - as the two principles are distinct from each other (as often many people don't make the distinction).

Many people make the error of thinking that if something communicated is very difficult and obscure, then it must be very deep - however, it may only mean that what is being communicated lacks intrinsic intelligibility and the opacity to the understanding is due merely to the fact that what is being communicated is mostly nonsense.

We have to distinguish difficult communications that are difficult because they contain an intelligiblity that *exeeds* the intelligence of the listener or reader, and difficulty that is due to poverty of meaning of content.



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Answer 3

A fact means that it's something that is known as correct and true.

If something were to sound like a fact, it must be one of those advertisements you hear. It's considered a lie, a fictitious statement. So if something were to sound like a fact but really isn't, then it isn't a fact, because a fact would mean that it's been proven that it's true.

Answer 4

If it sounds like a fact, and isn't, then if merely isn't a fact anymore, either that or its a false statement. Kind of like a lie, when a person lies they try to give the impression that they are telling the truth, but just because the person believes it, doesnt make it true.

Answer 5

Dictionary.com's first definition of a fact reads "something that actually exists; reality; truth."
So, a fact must be true. A statement that is not true may be a lie or an error or a fallacy, but it is NOT a fact.

Answer 6

straight from Meriam Webster (notice the very last line)

Main Entry: fact
Pronunciation: 'fakt
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin factum, from neuter of factus, past participle of facere
1 : a thing done: as a obsolete : FEAT b : CRIME c archaic : ACTION
2 archaic : PERFORMANCE, DOING
3 : the quality of being actual : ACTUALITY
4 a : something that has actual existence b : an actual occurrence
5 : a piece of information presented as having objective reality
- in fact : in truth

Answer 7

Things that sound true but may or may not be, are referred to as "factoids".

A fact is absolutely true, with no question whatsoever. That's the very definition of the word.

Answer 8

The truth is an intrepretation of an item.
A collective agreement, 8 out of 10 agree, Crime is bad, so that makes it a truth.

Yet its also a fact Crime is bad- yet its not a truth, since its only bad for the victim.

Best wishes mom

Answer 9

The truth comes from relevant facts.

Now do you have relevant facts or not?

Answer 10

1.) it depends on how you look at it
2.) a fact is a statement that can be proven something untrue that can be proven is a fact