Fact-Value Heretics

"There is a world of what are called 'facts,' as distinct from what are called 'values.' In the latter world we are all free to choose what we will cherish and what we will neglect; in the world of values the heretical imperative operates. But it does not operate in the world of what our culture calls 'facts'; here it is assumed that statements are either true or false. Where statements of alleged fact are in contradiction to one another, we do not simply leave it at that, much less congratulate ourselves on our faithfulness to the principle of pluralism. We argue, experiment, carry out tests, and compare results, until we finally agree on what the facts are; and we expect all reasonable people to accept them. The one who does not accept them is the real heretic."

Lesslie Newbigin, Foolishness to the Greeks, p. 16