Here's a breakdown of what it could potentially mean:
1. A statement presented as factual but potentially misleading:
* This is the most likely interpretation, and it often overlaps with the term "rhetorical question."
* Example: "Everyone knows that cats are superior to dogs." This statement is presented as a fact, but it's a subjective opinion, not an objective truth.
* The speaker is using the statement to persuade the audience by implying a shared belief, even if it's not universally true.
2. A factual statement used rhetorically:
* This means a statement that is objectively true but is used strategically to make a point.
* Example: "The average American spends over 10 hours per day consuming media." This is a true statistic, but it could be used rhetorically to argue for a point about the impact of media consumption on society.
3. A statement that is factually dubious but serves a rhetorical purpose:
* This is similar to the first interpretation, but the statement is even more likely to be false or misleading.
* Example: "Every single person agrees that this is the best solution." This statement is likely false, but it's used to create a sense of overwhelming consensus and support.
It's important to remember that the term "rhetorical fact" is not well-defined and its meaning can vary depending on the context. It's crucial to consider the speaker's intent and the overall purpose of the statement to understand its true meaning.
If you can provide more context about where you encountered this term, I might be able to give you a more specific answer.