Evaluating Sources & Premises of Arguments

The acquisition of information occurs through various means such as social media, newspapers, mass media, books, teachers, parents, scholars, propaganda, and rumors. However, there are only four fundamental sources from which all data originates.

Primarily, there are only four basic sources of all data: 

1. Observations
2. Experiences
3. Historical accounts of human beings' individual or collective observations and experiences (Books)
4. Logical inferences from those experiences and observations

Books contain logical inferences based on the experiences and observations of the author.
The historical accounts found in books comprise a collective representation of human beings’ experiences and observations at specific times and places. News, on the other hand, is the outcome of logical inferences from observations or experiences made by journalists. Parents, teachers, and scholars convey their logical inferences derived from their own experiences and observations.

Once an individual has learned this, they should resist the captivating influence of a proposition's overly romanticized presentation (design fallacy) and any subjective emotional attachment (appeal to emotions). They should then evaluate the premises of the proposition to determine where the results are derived from and question the sources of the information presented. As discussed, these can only be 4. All knowledge in the world, be it scientific, political, or of any nature is sourced from only these four sources.

Having learned this you will notice that almost all propositions are based on imagination, passion, emotion, ethics, factual errors, or some sort of rhetoric that has incredible appeal and mesmerizing effects leading to design fallacy and partiality. 

True Knowledge cannot be based on imagination, passion, emotions, ethics, or any sort of rhetoric. Instead, truth arises from logical reasoning and evidence derived from one's observations and experiences.

All human beings possess the ability to make logical inferences, observe, and experience. Therefore, they must utilize this capability. Nonetheless, this must not result in intellectual arrogance. It is essential to remain skeptical.

Related Posts