Tuesday, February 28, 2012

The Nature of Evidence:


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

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