Final answer:
Facts are statements that can be verified with evidence and data, distinguished from opinion or allegations, and must be consistent with established truths. They are established through observation or experimentation and are critical for supporting various views about reality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Facts are statements that are based on evidence and data and can be proven to be correct or accurate. These statements are established through methods such as experimentation or observation under certain conditions. A fact is distinct from an opinion or an allegation in that it aligns with established truths and carries useful implications. It's important to critically examine information to ensure that a statement can be classified as a fact. For example, the existence of the United Nations as an international organization is a fact, whereas its effect on making the world a better place is open to interpretation and debate, highlighting how facts support differing views about reality.
Here are additional examples of factual statements:
- The sun rises in the East.
- Charles Blow has worked for various respected news organizations.
While claims such as 'something that an authority says is true' or 'something that appears on a trusted website' might be factual, it is critical to verify these statements with compelling evidence to confirm their status as facts.