Lecture 4 Flashcards
When is a claim justified ?
Claims are ideally justified if they are known to be true, but this is rare. Usually, we settle for less than knowledge, aiming for good reasons.
Reason as Explanation: Provides understanding of why something happens
“Sea levels around the world are rising because global warming is melting the polar ice.”
Reason as Grounds: Serves as evidence or support for making a claim.
“Global warming must be happening because the polar ice is melting, and sea levels are rising.”
Example 1: “Sea levels around the world are rising because global warming is melting the polar ice.”
Global warming serves as a reason explaining why sea levels are rising. This constitutes an explanation.
Example 2: “Global warming must be happening because the polar ice is melting and sea levels are rising.”
Rising sea levels are not explaining global warming; instead, they are used as reasons to believe global warming is occurring. This serves as evidence or grounds.
What distinguishes grounds, reasons, and evidence?
Grounds: Serve as evidence or support for a claim.
Reasons: Provide understanding or explanation for why something happens.
Evidence: Supports the belief or assertion of a claim.
What are the types of evidence?
Direct Evidence: Testimony from firsthand witnesses.
Indirect Evidence:
Circumstantial evidence supporting a conclusion indirectly.
Corroboration: Combined pieces of evidence supporting each other, though not individually convincing.
What are the types of evidence?
Direct Evidence: Testimony from firsthand witnesses.
Indirect Evidence: Circumstantial evidence supporting a conclusion indirectly.
Corroboration
Combined pieces of evidence supporting each other, though not individually convincing.
How do we judge the credibility of evidence?
Factors include:
Reputation of the source.
Perceptual ability: Could the source have reasonably witnessed the event?
Expertise and knowledge:
Qualifications of the source.
Neutrality: Impartiality without bias.
Vested interest: Any ulterior motives, like financial gain.
Corroboration: Different sources supporting each other.
Consistency: Multiple sources or claims not contradicting each other.
How do we assess statistical evidence?
Assess statistical evidence by considering:
Source and purpose of the data.
Methodology of collection.
Corroboration with other evidence.
Relevance, plausibility, and informativeness.
Presentation clarity and accuracy.
Statistical data should be evaluated for credibility and reliability through the following steps:
Identify the data source and provider.
Determine the purpose behind data collection.
Understand the methodology used for data collection.
Check for corroboration and consistency with other available evidence.
Evaluate the relevance, plausibility, and informativeness of the data.
Review the presentation of the data for clarity and accuracy.
What are the key points in assessing evidence?
A claim should be supported by grounds or reasons.
Reasons require evidence for backing.
Evidence can be direct or indirect.
The credibility of evidence is gauged by plausibility and source reliability.
Statistical evidence is assessed similarly, considering data source reliability, purpose, methodology, corroboration, and consistency.
Graphical presentation of statistical evidence should be carefully scrutinized to avoid visually misleading impressions.
