A fact is a point of data that is not in dispute. A fact is a point of data that is objectively verifiable.
In short: FACT = OBSERVATION
This definition of Fact comes from Aron (Ra) Nelson, an American paleontologist.
Facts will never change. Facts are always true. However, how facts are explained and related in a model, as a theory, will change and not always be true.
Seeing the sunrise and sunset is an observation. It is a fact. But to explain that the sun orbits the Earth is false.
New facts often lead to new explanations and models (theories), but the old facts will always remain true.
Evolution is a Fact
An example of a fact is evolution. The past and continuing occurrence of evolution is a scientific fact. Because the evidence supporting it is so strong.
Above, you see how, based on facts (points of data), a chronology can be made of how dinosaurs have evolved into birds.
More information on this topic can be found on:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution_of_birds
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4nuWLd2ivc
- http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/evograms_06
Why are facts important for Architects?
Enterprise architects (people who design and construct enterprises and enterprise-wide solutions using concepts and principles) have to deal with complexity and change in organizations. Facts are important here.
As an architect, you want to know how complex certain things are or should be as precisely as possible. Also, you want to know as precisely as possible how often certain types of changes take place.
By knowing well when a fact is a fact, you can better understand complexity and change in an organization, and the better you can deal with that.