What is the Difference Between Facts and Evidence?

The difference between facts and evidence lies in their definitions, purposes, and the ways they are used. Here is a summary of their distinctions:

• Facts: Facts are statements that can be proven to be true or false. They are objective and can be verified through observation or measurement. Facts are indisputable and have actual existence.
• Evidence: Evidence is an assembly of facts indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or false. It is an intentionally selected subset of all available facts chosen because they are deemed relevant to determining the validity of an assertion. Evidence is always gathered and presented either in support of or in opposition to an assertion.

Key differences include:

1. Purpose: Facts have no purpose or agenda associated with them, while evidence always has a purpose or agenda.
2. Relevance: Evidence considers relevance, while facts do not.
3. Disputability: Facts cannot be disputed, while evidence can be disputed in court.
4. Provability: Facts are proven and can be used to disprove other facts, while evidence lacks strength and cannot be proved authentically.

In summary, facts are indisputable truths that can be proven, while evidence is a selection of facts intended to prove or disprove a belief or proposition. Evidence is gathered and presented to support or oppose an assertion, and it considers relevance.

Comparative Table: Facts vs Evidence

Here is a table that highlights the differences between facts and evidence:

In summary, facts are truths that can be proven and are objective, while evidence is information that helps form judgments or conclusions and can be either true or false. Facts can be verified through observation or measurement, whereas evidence needs to be proven and accepted on belief.