Logic and Rationality; Disagreement and Evidence - Greg Restall

Logic and Rationality; Disagreement and Evidence or why Fact-Checking Units are a Good Thing,

even if they don’t lead us to agreement

Greg Restall

Science, Technology, Future · August 23, 2014

Fact-Checking

Isn’t this anachronistic?

Harking back to an age of experts?

Isn’t it philosophically naïve?

Especially when we considerpolitically controversial topics.

What is a fact, anyway?

Don’t ask what a fact is…

…ask what a fact does.

Or better, what you do whenyou call something a fact.

Or better, what you do whenyou call something a fact.

It’s a fact that the climate is changing

and that sea levels are rising.

The climate is changing and that sea levels are rising.

It’s a fact that p

p

It’s a fact that most people in Australia have a higher

standard of living than 18 years ago.

Most people in Australia have a higher

standard of living than 18 years ago.

http://theconversation.com/factcheck-is-poverty-on-the-rise-in-australia-17512

To show that it’s a fact that p

you show that p.

p, but it’s not a fact that p.

It’s a fact that p, but not p.

Giving Reasons

Philosophically naïve?

No

Isn’t this anachronistic?

No

Looking back to an age of experts?

No, but…

You show that something is a fact by giving your reasons.

We move beyond “he said / she said” journalism.

What about when Fact-Checking sites disagree?

What about areas of moral disagreement?

Providing reasons can help, even when it doesn’t lead to agreement.

It maps out the field of options.

It helps us understand each other.

We keep each other (and ourselves) honest.

We learn more of what a claim really involves.

Sometimes, it can convince.

Where can we go from here?

Fact-Checking sites are a start.

Support them, and supportquality journalism

over “he said / she said” substitutes.

Inculcate a culture of valuing reasons.

The more you are exposed to good reasoning, the more

you’ll recognise it, and be able to produce great reasoning of your own.

Be prepared to give your reasons,and be curious about the

reasons of others.

Don’t expect to come to agreement.

But be prepared to find some common ground.

Thanks for listening

Any Questions?

Greg Restall [email protected]

consequently.org @consequently