Fact-Inference Confusion

Statements made by people can be either factual or inferential. Factual statements are made by an observer after observation. Therefore, it is limited to what is observed only. For example, if I were to say "Ashreen is wearing a leopard print jacket." it would be factual as everyone can see that she is indeed wearing one.

An inferential statement, on the other hand, is giving your own meaning or interpretation. It may or may not be true or perhaps it is something that is only true in certain circumstances. Therefore, all sorts of problems can arise from inferential statements when people take them in as factual statements.

For example, before I met Little Ashreen, I was told that she is stuck up. Upon getting to know her, I have found her to be the complete opposite. The person had made that inferential statement based on their rocky relationship and his own personal feelings.

Therefore, we have to be careful about these two different types of statements to avoid making mistakes in judgment.

Tan Huey Li