chapter 3: facts: what's real?

chapter summary:

1. by definition, a fact is something known with certainty through experience, observation, or measurement. a fact can be objectively demonstrate 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 presence.

5. facts are not absolute but statements of probability,

6. because we are dependant on confirmation from others in our search for facts, social pressures can lead us to distrust or distort our own perceptions.

7. facts must be expresses 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.