Understanding Facts, Assumptions, and Conjectures

As humans, we make decisions daily, but have you ever stopped to think about the foundation of those decisions? Are they built on facts, assumptions, or conjectures?

Defining the Basics:

• Facts: Verified information, evidence-based, and objective.

• Assumptions: Unproven beliefs, often based on incomplete info.

• Conjectures: Speculative ideas, lacking concrete evidence.

  Let us look at some examples:

Personal Life

1. Ending a relationship due to assumed infidelity without concrete evidence.

2. Quitting a job based on assumptions about a new manager's leadership style.

3. Assuming a friend or relative is ignoring you and cutting ties without clarification.

Business and Finance

1. Investing in a company without researching its financials, assuming it's profitable.

2. Firing an employee based on assumed poor performance without proper evaluation.

3. Launching a product without market research, assuming demand.

Health and Wellness

1. Self-diagnosing and treating an illness based on online assumptions.

2. Changing medication regimens without consulting a doctor, assuming side effects.

3. Assuming a symptom is minor and ignoring it, leading to worsening conditions.

Social and Political

1. Spreading misinformation on social media, assuming its accuracy.

2. Voting for a candidate based on assumed policies or values. 3. Participating in protests or riots based on assumed injustices.

3. Participating in a protest or riot due to assumed injustice

4. Hurting or k***ling someone because of lies spread against him

Education and Career

1. Choosing a major or career path based on assumed job prospects.

2. Dropping a course or program due to assumed difficulty.

3. Assuming a degree guarantees success, without developing relevant skills.

International Relations and Conflict

1. Assuming a country's intentions or motivations without diplomatic engagement.

2. Launching military interventions based on assumed threats.

3. Imposing economic sanctions without understanding the impact.

Technology and AI

1. Assuming AI systems are biased without auditing data or algorithms.

2. Implementing AI solutions without considering ethical implications.

3. Assuming cybersecurity threats are external, ignoring internal vulnerabilities.

In Africa, it's alarming how often assumptions and conjectures masquerade as facts. But why?

Is it Ignorance or Convenience?

Are we unaware of the importance of fact-checking, or is it simply easier to rely on assumptions? The truth is, seeking facts can be challenging, requiring effort and critical thinking.

Consequences of Assumptions and Conjectures:

• Misinformed decisions

• Spread of misinformation

• Lack of progress

• Unnecessary conflicts

Learning from AI:

Did you know that AI models, like robots, use hallucinations to fill gaps in data? But humans can do better! By relying on verified historical facts, we can make informed decisions.

Breaking Free from Assumptions:

1. Verify information through credible sources.

2. Encourage critical thinking.

3. Embrace curiosity.

4. Seek diverse perspectives.

5. Use fact-checking tools.

6. Reflect before taking action

Empowering Decisions with Facts:

Let's strive for a culture of fact-based decision-making. Africa deserves informed progress!

Please Join the Movement:

Share this post Tag a friend Commit to fact-checking

Together, we can build a brighter future, grounded in truth.

#FactsMatter #AfricaDeservesBetter #InformedDecisions #CriticalThinking #FactChecking #VerifiedInformation

About the Author:

Bashir A. Shuaibu, is a tech enthusiast who loves sharing relevant information. He dreams of building a future on truth by navigating decisions with facts and verified historical data.