There are logistical truths and there are living world (experiential) truths. As a result, discussing the difference between “fact” and “truth” can be nuanced, depending on whether we’re discussing logistical truths or experiential truths.
The ‘Machine’ considers truth in an algorithmic way, as used in logic tables. True or False.
This way of thinking is appropriate for clarity of the human rubric and in the empirical sciences. However, the variability of the human consciousness in the living world makes this approach short sighted and in some instances manipulative.
In the context of the living world, the distinction between Fact and Truth is different type of clarity, but no less clear.
Facts are details, truth is realization. We listen to facts, We can memorize facts, We can recite facts, We should trust facts. Truth is how we interpret these facts.
No matter how detached we may wish to be, the interpretation of facts is always relatively subjective. This can instigate many disagreements
In the Living World, truth comes after the fact.
These realizations may be subjective or relative. Facts can stand independently, truths usually have some corelated variable to consider.
Fact
- Definition: A fact can be proven through evidence, observation, or measurement. Facts are independent of beliefs or opinions.
Truth
- Definition: Truth is a broader concept that encompasses fact but also includes personal beliefs, values, and/or principles.
Illustrative Examples
- Fact: “The Eiffel Tower is in Paris.” This can be verified.
- Truth: “Paris is a romantic city.” This is a subjective statement that may be true for some people based on personal experiences or cultural beliefs, but not a verifiable fact.
- Fact: “Frank owns a 1989 El Camino.” This can be verified.
- Truth: “Frank loves that car more than life” We can’t know factually what’s in Frank’s heart but we use his actions toward the car to arrive at this truth.
- Fact: “Salvador Dali was a surrealist artist.” This is a verifiable fact.
- Truth: “Salvador Dali was a great artist.” This is a subjective statement that depends on the criteria used to evaluate greatness.