Final answer:
Facts are objective truths that are verifiable through evidence and observation, whereas beliefs are subjective and can vary among individuals. Philosophical discussions often center on the nature of knowledge and truth and how they are understood in relation to belief. It's important to realize that the truth of a fact is not determined by individual belief, and objective truth remains consistent despite differing beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Facts vs. Belief
The proposition described in the question touches upon a philosophical debate about the nature of truth and its relation to belief and knowledge. While beliefs are subjective and may vary from person to person, facts are statements that are objectively true and can be proven by evidence or observation. The idea that facts are true 'primarily for those who want to believe in them' conflates the objective nature of facts with the subjective nature of belief. Philosophically, a fact aligns with reality, regardless of individual belief.
It is important to understand that while people may have differing beliefs about the external world, and there may be philosophical arguments about the possibility of knowing the external world, the truth of a proposition is not relative to individuals. For instance, despite differing beliefs about the shape of the Earth, there is only one factual truth about it – the Earth is round. This illustrates that beliefs do not alter the factual truth of a proposition.
Moreover, inferences based on empirical data are crucial to understanding and interpreting facts, especially when direct observation is impossible, such as knowing the exact number of grass blades on the White House lawn. Furthermore, the phenomenon of motivated reasoning shows how individuals sometimes reject factual evidence that contradicts their beliefs, but this does not change the objective truth of the facts in question.