But knowledge isn't justified true belief, it can't be defined by a strict set of criteria. — Manuel
A fact is deemed to be a fact, when it is recognized by the relevant people to be so: those involved in the affair, experts in a specific field, etc. — Manuel
When does a fact establish itself as knowledge? — Shawn
Its definitionally true. A fact just is something that is true. Asking how we know facts are true is like asking how we know that bachelors are unmarried: its just what the term means. — Seppo
And on the JTB story of knowledge, a fact becomes knowledge when A. it is believed B. it is true and C. justification is available (i.e. there are good and sufficient reasons for supposing it to be true). — Seppo
But surely facts aren't a priori true, but rather synthetically a priori true.
What criteria does the justification adhere to for a fact to be "true"?
Yes it can. I see the cow on the field and assume it's a cow as long as I'm sane and sober. — Shawn
Facts become knowledge when they are needed. When they are used. You can't know whether or not a piece of information has been adequately justified until you know what it will be used for. Until you know the consequences of being wrong. At that point - when you are making a decision about a future action, you have to determine whether or not you can use that information. When you decide you can, it is knowledge. — T Clark
What criteria does the justification adhere to for a fact to be "true"?
Again, this isn't really a sensical question- a fact is true of necessity, else it isn't a fact. An untrue fact is like a married bachelor: a contradiction in terms. But what constitutes truth, or epistemic justification, is a separate (and rather big/complex) question. — Seppo
This is something I'm unsure of. Many users already stated that they consider facts to be true based out of necessity. You seem to be saying that facts are contingent on circumstances or situations that allow them to be true, am I reading you correctly? — Shawn
what does it take for something to be true or be a fact, and how do we know when it is? And like I said, that's quite.. the... can... of... worms.... — Seppo
...facts are the things we putatively make statements about and then judge such statements true when they stand in the right relationship ... — Ennui Elucidator
In science, 'fact' can only mean 'confirmed to such a degree that it would be perverse to withhold provisional assent.' — T Clark
I'm not sure if that answers your question. — T Clark
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