Do Facts Change Over Time? Why Humility Matters In Academic Work with Prof. Farish A. Noor

How many planets are in our solar system? If you were asked in the 1970s, the scientifically accurate answer was nine. Today, the correct answer is eight. So, what happened to Pluto, and what does it say about the nature of scientific truth? In this video from Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) , political historian Farish Noor explores a fascinating question: can and do facts change over time? While we often think of scientific and academic facts as absolute, history shows us that definitions, terminologies, and classifications are constantly shifting based on new discoveries. By examining the 2006 astronomical decision to reclassify Pluto as a "dwarf planet," we uncover a vital lesson for all fields of study—from astrophysics to the social sciences. Join us as we explore why knowledge is never entirely static, and why having the humility to question, test, and challenge established facts is the true driver of academic progress.