We have all been asked for evidence at some point or
another. We may not always think of it
as “evidence”. But, when someone asks “why”,
they are asking for evidence to back your position. Whether it’s explaining to a five year old
that leaning against a dirty car is a bad idea or debating Creation and
Evolution.
Often presenting the evidence doesn’t seem as simple as
showing someone the dirt on their clothes, and thus they shouldn’t lean on the
dirty car. But, I have found that many times
it is just that simple. When the light
is turned on, the darkness retreats and you can navigate safely across the
room. The problem we run into is; most
people hold their beliefs very close to their heart, so to speak. What a person believes is what makes them who
they are. Even when someone claims that
they are willing to change what they believe if shown adequate proof.
I feel that I must pause here to define both proof and
evidence. They are often used interchangeably,
but they are not strictly synonymous.
Evidence
noun
1. that which tends
to prove or disprove something; ground for belief; proof.
2. something that
makes plain or clear; an indication or sign: His flushed look was visible
evidence of his fever.
3. (Law) data
presented to a court or jury in proof of the facts in issue and which may
include the testimony of witnesses, records, documents, or objects.
verb (used with object)
4. to make
evident or clear; show clearly;
manifest: He evidenced his approval by promising his full support.
5. to support by
evidence: He evidenced his accusation with incriminating letters.
Proof
noun
1. evidence
sufficient to establish a thing as true, or to produce belief in its truth.
2. anything serving
as such evidence: What proof do you have?
3. the act of testing
or making trial of anything; test; trial: to put a thing to the proof.
4. the establishment
of the truth of anything; demonstration.
5. (Law) (in judicial
proceedings) evidence having probative weight.
Proof is the combination of evidence that supports a
claim.
There are four basic types of evidence:
Statistical Evidence
Testimonial Evidence
Anecdotal Evidence
Analogical Evidence
Statistical evidence is the most common type used to attempt
to prove a point. “Elvis is more
successful that U2 because his songs spent more time on the top ten charts.” That is using statistical evidence. Of course Elvis is dead, so therefore could
be considered less successful than U2 who are still alive. That last sentence is an example of anecdotal
evidence.
Testimonial evidence is what it sounds like, evidence based
on testimony. “Bob is a liar because what
he said is different than what Dave and Marge told me.” This is using the testimonial evidence of
Dave and Marge to refute Bob’s claim. The
problem with testimonial evidence is that it can be influenced. This is why it is best to have collaboration when
using testimonial evidence. “What, you
don't like rice? Tell me Michael, how could a billion Chinese people be wrong?” (Quote from Lost Boys)
Anecdotal evidence is often underused and many times
considered meaningless. It is based on a
person’s observations. It is good for
refuting generalizations. Such as, “Don’t
lean against cars because they are always dirty.” To refute that generalization you could point
to your just washed car and say, “This car is safe to lean against, I just
washed it.” Anecdotal evidence is what
most stereotypes are based upon. For
example, “All Christians are backward and use guilt and fear to support their
blind faith.” This claim is one of the
reasons that I began this blog; both to show it false, and to teach my readers
the tools that will allow them to move past emotional arguing to debate based
on logic and reason.
The final type of evidence is called Analogical
evidence. This type is used when a
position must be supported, but lacks statistical or testimonial evidence. My youngest daughter once cut her finger on a food
processor blade. The other day my oldest daughter was reaching, above her head, into a drawer that contained knives. I reminded her that her sister had cut her
finger while reaching into a cupboard and feeling around in the unknown. Analogical arguments are made when the
concept of the situation is the same, but the scenario isn’t exact.
Of course we’ve all come across the individual or group who won’t
be convinced; no matter how much evidence you show them. This goes back to my earlier statement about
a person’s beliefs being what makes them who they are. In these cases you must simply present the
evidence calmly and allow it to sink in.
If you try to push, they will become defensive and you will waste your
time. Remember, give your answer, but
with gentleness and respect.
I’ll get
more in depth with evidence and its application in later posts.
But for now, Grace and Peace.
~E
