Theory of Constructed Facts

The idea that even raw facts are not simply discovered, but are shaped by the theories, tools, and questions that produce them. A fact is a carefully carved slice of reality, and the carving tools are our interests, technologies, and linguistic categories. The fact "the patient has a fever of 102°F" is constructed by the concept of "fever," the Fahrenheit scale, and the reliability of the thermometer. Change any of those, and you get a different fact. Facts are theory-laden.

Example: "The archaeologist explained the Theory of Constructed Facts: 'We say we 'found' a ceremonial dagger. But that fact was constructed the moment we decided to call it a 'dagger' and not 'scrap metal,' and 'ceremonial' instead of 'utilitarian.' The dirt gave us an object; we gave it a story that became a fact in our textbook.'"

by Dumu The Void January 30, 2026

Theory of Constructed Facts

The position that facts are not simply discovered features of reality but are built through scientific, legal, and social practices. A fact is a claim that has been stabilized—tested, validated, accepted, and made to stick. This doesn't mean facts aren't real—it means their reality is achieved, not given. The Theory of Constructed Facts studies how facts are made: the work required to establish them, the controversies they survive, the infrastructure that supports them, the communities that maintain them. Facts are real, but reality doesn't come pre-fact-ed.

"You think 'climate change is real' is just a fact that was always there? Theory of Constructed Facts says: it took thousands of scientists, decades of research, satellites, models, debates, and reports to construct that fact. It's real because it was built—and the building is ongoing."

by Dumu The Void February 24, 2026