How do you verify claims- thus knowing its a fact?

[OddBeMe]

Myself, its about corroboration from reliable sources. Grocery store tabloids aren't as reliable as the NYTimes. But the NYT ain't 100% reliable either. So I corroborate. What's your method?

[jeemm]

Think logically, check Wikipedia and even if my logic and Wikipedia agrees with the claim I will look further checking more sites and compare the info. The info with the least amount of logic behind it and sample size falls under the "false" info which I don't trust.

Even if I do trust the info I classify as "true" I don't take it as absolute truth as it might've been exaggerated or something about it might still be inaccurate to some extend so I think of it as a best info available.

[goaded]

I'll take most claims from mainstream sites that don't have a history of making things up (or where the claim would be against their usual bias) at face value, and check for corroboration on other sites otherwise.

[msc545]

multiple reputable sources agreeing on the same things.

[msc545]

oops - sort of. Multiple reputable source can all agree on the WRONG thing.

[OddBeMe]

No, I think you’re right. It’s corroborating. Doesn’t mean 100%, but take it to the bank.

[msc545]

Kind of, but I think there is more room for error than is generally acknowledged. The "fallacy of popularity" or "appeal to the crowd" is a thing.

[OddBeMe]

there's scientific consensus though...

[msc545]

Yes, good point!

[OddBeMe]

but yes people can believe misinfo from disreputable sources. the source matters, but not as authority.

[msc545]

The truth might be that there is no provable truth, just some measure of probability, which is consistent with quantum mechanics and Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, both of which might be highly probable. Or not. You see where this is going...

[OddBeMe]

Oh yeah agreed. And there's a real big problem in science with the use of the word "theory". String Theory ain't a thing. Its String Hypothesis.

[msc545]

I don't think most people know the difference between a hypothesis and a theory

[OddBeMe]

And that’s the problem. I keep getting responses like theories aren’t fact. Yeah they are.

[msc545]

It might be a lot worse than semantic confusion but I can't tell anymore.