THE SOCIETYAsk Before Accepting
What exactly is being claimed? Clarify the proposition before evaluating it.
Clarify Terms
What do the important words mean here? Arguments often collapse because people use the same words differently.
Seek Evidence
What supports the claim, and how reliable is that support?
Examine Assumptions
What must already be believed for this argument to work?
Consider Alternatives
What other explanations could account for the same facts?
Look for Incentives and Power
Who benefits if this claim, policy or hierarchy is accepted?
Test Reasoning
Does the conclusion actually follow from the evidence?
Search for Disconfirming Evidence
What would show us that we are wrong?
Recognize Bias
How might identity, fear, loyalty, status or prior belief be shaping judgment?
Revise When Necessary
When better evidence appears, intellectual integrity requires movement.
Proportioned confidence.
Not perpetual skepticism. Not manufactured certainty. Believe with the strength the available evidence reasonably deserves.