Proof, evidence, faith, and dogma

The difference between facts and beliefs is that facts are based on objective evidence and can be verified or disproved through experimentation, observation and logical reasoning, i.e. evidence. Proof is evidence that is considered so conclusive that it establishes a fact beyond reasonable doubt.

Faith and dogma, rather than evidence, are based on beliefs that may or may not reflect a commitment to certain moral, religious or political principles. However, whereas faith is personal and open to subjective interpretation, dogma is institutionalised and rigid, considered authoritative and not to be questioned.

Dogma can be central to the doctor's treatment of individual patients (Bellomo R. The dangers of dogma in medicine. Medical Journal of Australia 2011 Oct;195(7):372-373), but it is not useful in developing evidence to advance human knowledge. On the contrary, scientific progress typically involves identifying weaknesses in established beliefs and challenging them. Science is never settled.

The focus of empirical research is therefore on both developing and questioning evidence. Statistical inference plays a key role in these endeavours.