The concept of a fact being a proposition that can be
verified leads to the question of whether the following statements are
facts: (A) Light is a wave motion; (B) The moon has no atmosphere; (C) This
bottle contains carbon dioxide. Each statement has a different level of
provability, but all can be verified.
The wave nature of light can be demonstrated through phenomena such as
interference and diffraction. Experiments by Dr. Young and Fresnel have
proven that light behaves as waves to produce diffraction. The colors
observed in the light reflected from thin films of oil, mica, glass, and
soap bubbles are due to interference between the light reflected from the
front and back surfaces of the film. While it requires sophisticated
apparatus to prove this phenomenon, it can be verified through
experimentation.
The presence of carbon dioxide in a bottle can be easily tested. A rod
dipped in lime water turns white when taken into the bottle, indicating the
presence of carbon dioxide. Similarly, a burning candle put into the bottle
will be extinguished due to the presence of carbon dioxide. Any secondary
student can prove the presence of carbon dioxide in a bottle.
The presence or absence of an atmosphere around the moon was only conjecture
until recently. However, the use of sensitive instruments sent to the moon
has proven beyond doubt that there is no atmosphere as such around the moon.
While it may be difficult for an ordinary person to visualize, the use of
scientific instruments has provided verification of this fact.
While each statement can be verified, the level of difficulty varies. The
presence of carbon dioxide is the easiest to prove, while the wave nature of
light requires sophisticated apparatus. The absence of an atmosphere around
the moon is difficult to visualize, but the use of scientific instruments
has provided proof of this fact.
It is clear that facts are propositions that can be verified.
Experimentation and proof are the foundation of science, and it is important
to verify statements to ensure their accuracy. |