What makes something a fact?

<p>This is a question that has been traipsing around in my brain since WAY before people in politics started talking about facts and alternate facts.</p> <p> </p> <p>If gravity is still just a theory (something for which we have not found evidence against), what are facts?</p> <p> </p> <p>The joke I tell when I do talks and trainings about communication and conflict resolution goes like this:</p> <p> </p> <p>What is the difference between perception and reality? (wait a beat)</p> <p>Perception is what you think. Reality is what I think (heavy emphasis in the I).</p> <p> </p> <p>It always gets a good chuckle.</p> <p> </p> <p>But if facts are all just perception, how do we figure it out?</p> <p> </p> <p>Gary Fredericks, Racquelle Pakutz and Kevin Wash were brave souls to step into this conversation with me.</p> <p> </p> <p>What do you think makes something a fact?</p> <p>Connect with the panelists:</p> <p>Gary Fredericks: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyfredericks/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyfredericks/</a></p> <p>Racquelle Pakutz: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/racquelle-pakutz/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/racquelle-pakutz/</a></p> <p>Kevin Wash: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-wash-23b90915/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-wash-23b90915/</a></p> <p>Dr Robyn Odegaard: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard/</a></p> <p> </p> <p>Want a summary of the Quick Hits I post every week, plus the links to the LinkedIn pages of each of the panelist to show up in your in-box every week? Just let me know where to send it: https://drrobynodegaard.com/quick-hits-notifications/</p> <p> </p> <p>#QuickHits are designed to exercise your brain by letting you listen in on an unscripted conversation to get other people's thoughts on pertinent subjects. If you would like to join a conversation or have a topic you would like to hear discussed, please message me. https://www.DrRobynOdegaard.com</p> <p> </p> <p>#alternatefacts #truth</p> <p> </p> <p