Fact Metabiases

Second-order biases about facts—how we understand what facts are, how they're established, and how they function. Fact Metabiases include: treating facts as simple when they're complex; assuming facts are independent of theory; believing facts settle value disputes; using "fact" as a conversation-ender; ignoring that facts are always interpreted; treating factual claims as beyond social negotiation. Fact Metabiases turn facts from tools into idols—objects of worship rather than contributions to inquiry.

Fact Metabiases "It's a fact, so discussion over!" That's Fact Metabias—treating facts as endpoints rather than contributions. Facts inform; they don't replace thinking. The metabias is thinking facts speak for themselves when they always need interpretation. Facts are real; metabias is forgetting what facts are for."

by Dumu The Void March 1, 2026