What is the Difference Between Fact and Theory?

The main difference between a fact and a theory lies in the level of certainty and the methodology behind each.

• Fact: A fact refers to any phenomenon or action that is verified. It is something that can be observed or measured, and it can be replicated under similar conditions. Facts are considered to be true and remain the same even after several centuries. For example, "when I let go of this apple, it falls to the ground" is a fact.
• Theory: A theory is an explanation for what has been observed or verified. It is built from multiple facts and provides a framework for understanding a certain aspect of the natural world. Theories are well-substantiated by facts, tested hypotheses, and laws, but they can be disproved or revised as new evidence comes to light. For example, the theory of gravity is an explanation for why objects fall to the ground.

In summary:

• Facts are verified phenomena or actions that can be observed, measured, and replicated. They are considered true and remain the same over time.
• Theories are explanations for observed phenomena, built from multiple facts and incorporating tested hypotheses and laws. They are subject to change as new evidence is discovered.

It is important not to confuse facts with theories. Facts are based on empirical evidence and can be directly observed, while theories are broader explanations that encompass multiple facts and can be revised or disproved as new evidence emerges.

Comparative Table: Fact vs Theory

The main difference between a fact and a theory is that a fact is a specific piece of knowledge that is known to be true, while a theory is a well-supported and comprehensive explanation for a set of facts. Here is a table summarizing the differences between facts and theories:

In summary, facts are observed phenomena, while theories are explanations for those phenomena. Theories are built from facts and are refined as more facts are gathered and analyzed. Theories never become facts; instead, scientific theories are created from large collections of facts.