Data, Facts, Knowledge, and Truth

I’m a science nerd. I love how data is generated from scientific studies. Data is information, often in the form of numbers. Data doesn’t say or prove anything. Data requires a person, hopefully a trained statistician, to analyze the raw information and try to make sense of it.

 Data interpreters – statisticians – will apply one of many different statistical tools to analyze data toward a possible hypothesis. The analyzer will formulate a hypothesis based upon their curiosity, their inquisitiveness, and ultimately their worldview filter. If the data holds up to the scrutiny of the analysis, a possible fact may have been generated. For a fact to become more “factual”... more of a proven fact… multiple studies from many different sources will hopefully arrive at the same conclusion.

 This is what I love about science, especially as it pertains to healthcare. What is considered a healthcare fact today may become a healthcare non-fact tomorrow if new and better studies can prove differently. In my 31 years of medical practice, I have observed multiple healthcare facts reversed, such as whether hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women is heart healthy or heart dangerous.

 I like to process through the lens of wholistic health – body, soul, and spirit. I classify data, information, and facts in the natural realm. As pertains to healthcare, the “body” realm.

 Segue to the spirit realm. I am a person of Christian faith. I love Bible verses that say Jesus is… the truth (John 14:6 and many others). Jesus is truth. Truth is relational and imparted… discovered… through a relationship with Jesus. Truth is found in the realm of spirit. Truth has a moral component.

 Now to the soul. The soul is where body and spirit intersect. The soul is where things get interesting and complex.

 For example, if I take apparent scientific facts about a topic and mix in prayer, while seeking guidance from the Lord (truth), I may arrive at true knowledge concerning that topic. Knowledge is found at the intersection of fact and truth. And, with further input from the Spirit (truth), knowledge might lead to wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge in a practical, useful way with moral boundaries. Wisdom in healthcare… or education… or technology… or industry… or finance… or in any area of society… benefits people and makes the world a better place. Knowledge and wisdom are found at the soul dimension.

 Here’s a fun tangent: let’s apply this line of thinking to artificial intelligence (AI). AI is a powerful tool. And yet, AI will never have a soul. AI, therefore, can be a powerful tool for good if applied and directed by people accessing spirit (truth); AI can be a dangerous tool if applied/created/directed by people using only natural logic and reason. Natural facts change. AI applied/created/directed by someone with knowledge and wisdom with soul (moral) boundaries will benefit people and influence the world for good.

 I have heard it said that figures don’t lie, but liars do figure. Concerning scientific research, data is amoral, but scientists with particular worldview filters will analyze data and generate results. Their conclusions may seem true and factual but may be skewed by the interpreter’s internal focus.

 Concerning AI, I think of the Bible passage that refers to humans being made in God’s image. AI will be in the image of the one applying, creating, and directing it. AI will never have a soul.