Fact-Value Distinction

Definition

The fact-value distinction is the philosophical concept that separates objective, empirical facts from subjective, normative values. It posits that statements about the world (facts) are distinct from statements about what ought to be (values).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The fact-value distinction suggests that scientific and empirical inquiry can only establish facts, not determine moral or ethical values.
2. This distinction is central to debates about the role of science in policymaking and the limits of scientific authority in making normative claims.
3. Proponents of the fact-value distinction argue that it is necessary to maintain objectivity and avoid the naturalistic fallacy of deriving 'ought' statements from 'is' statements.
4. Critics argue that the fact-value distinction is an artificial construct and that values are often implicit in the selection and interpretation of facts.
5. The fact-value distinction is a key concept in the philosophy of science, as it shapes debates about the relationship between descriptive and prescriptive reasoning.

Review Questions

• Explain the key features of the fact-value distinction and how it relates to the philosophy of science.
  • The fact-value distinction posits that statements about the world (facts) are fundamentally different from statements about what ought to be (values). This separation is central to the philosophy of science, as it suggests that scientific inquiry can only establish objective, empirical facts, and cannot determine moral or ethical values. Proponents argue that maintaining this distinction is necessary to avoid the naturalistic fallacy and preserve the objectivity of science, while critics contend that values are often implicit in the selection and interpretation of facts.
• Discuss the implications of the fact-value distinction for policymaking and the role of science in societal decision-making.
  • The fact-value distinction has significant implications for the role of science in policymaking and societal decision-making. If the distinction is accepted, it suggests that scientific and empirical inquiry can only provide information about the world as it is, but cannot determine how the world ought to be. This means that policymakers and decision-makers must rely on values, ethics, and moral principles to bridge the gap between facts and policy prescriptions. Critics argue that this separation is artificial and that values are often implicit in the selection and interpretation of scientific data, which should be acknowledged in the policymaking process.
• Analyze the arguments for and against the fact-value distinction, and evaluate its overall significance in the philosophy of science and ethics.
  • The fact-value distinction is a contentious concept in the philosophy of science and ethics. Proponents argue that it is necessary to maintain the objectivity of science and avoid the naturalistic fallacy of deriving 'ought' statements from 'is' statements. They contend that values are fundamentally different from facts and that scientific inquiry can only establish the latter. Critics, however, argue that the distinction is an artificial construct and that values are often implicit in the selection and interpretation of facts. They suggest that acknowledging the role of values in science is important for addressing complex societal issues. Ultimately, the significance of the fact-value distinction lies in its influence on debates about the relationship between descriptive and prescriptive reasoning, the limits of scientific authority, and the integration of values into policymaking and decision-making processes.

Related terms

Descriptive Statements: Statements that describe the world as it is, without making judgments or prescriptions about how it should be.

Normative Statements: Statements that make judgments about how the world ought to be or what people should do, based on values, ethics, or moral principles.

Logical Positivism:

A philosophical movement that emphasized the distinction between facts (verifiable by empirical observation) and values (not empirically verifiable).