The fact–value distinction is a way of telling the difference between two kinds of statements: facts and values. A fact is something that describes what is—like saying, “The sky is blue” or “Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius.” These are called descriptive statements because they describe the world, and we can usually check if they’re true.
A value, on the other hand, is about what we think is good, bad, or what should happen—like saying, “People should be kind” or “It’s wrong to steal.” These are called normative statements, and they show beliefs or feelings about right and wrong.
The fact–value distinction helps us see that just because something is a certain way doesn’t mean it ought to be that way. This idea is known as the is–ought gap.
Some words, like “cruel” or “brave,” are tricky because they mix facts and values—they describe something and also judge it—and these are called thick concepts.
People who study ethics use this distinction to figure out where our opinions come from and whether they’re based on evidence or just personal values. It’s a helpful way to keep our thinking clear when we talk about the world and what we believe about it.