On evidence, logic, and uncertainty
10:08 PM Edit This 1 Comment »
I had an insight today about different argument styles a friend and I have (actually know a few people like this, so it applies to all of them), and found yet another reason why I can never seem to make a decision.
My friend looks at the general flow and the big picture. He makes careful observations and collects data about the world, and then bases his conclusions on where the evidence points.
He's the court lawyer, looking to establish a viewpoint with overwhelming evidence in his favor.
I look at the logical structure of things. I can't make a final decision on what I think because the nature of logic is that if I have a million pieces of information that seem to say one thing, a new one could change that conclusion completely.
I'm the detective, looking for the tiny piece of evidence that will flip the case on its head.
He gets frustrated with me (all in good fun) for nitpicking at logical inconsistencies and for refusing to be certain about anything. I get frustrated with him for being so obnoxiously sure he is right!
I have learned from him that I get lazy about doing my research because it's impossible to have ALL the data. It's like refusing to sit down because the object to sit on doesn't fit the Platonic Ideal of a Chair. :)
My friend looks at the general flow and the big picture. He makes careful observations and collects data about the world, and then bases his conclusions on where the evidence points.
He's the court lawyer, looking to establish a viewpoint with overwhelming evidence in his favor.
I look at the logical structure of things. I can't make a final decision on what I think because the nature of logic is that if I have a million pieces of information that seem to say one thing, a new one could change that conclusion completely.
I'm the detective, looking for the tiny piece of evidence that will flip the case on its head.
He gets frustrated with me (all in good fun) for nitpicking at logical inconsistencies and for refusing to be certain about anything. I get frustrated with him for being so obnoxiously sure he is right!
I have learned from him that I get lazy about doing my research because it's impossible to have ALL the data. It's like refusing to sit down because the object to sit on doesn't fit the Platonic Ideal of a Chair. :)
1 comments:
"And that is why you fail." - Yoda.
*smug look of scientistic superiority*
Nice to see that you still update your blog, btw. I typically have had nothing to blog about in recent weeks. Probably because of all the soul crushing workload. How's it hanging in Arizona?
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