The concept of evidence explores how human beings should think about anything beyond their scope. The term “evidence” has a broad meaning depending on the person using it. This explains why the concept of evidence remains something meaningful to philosophers and scientists. The word is widely used by philosophers, judges, historians, lawyers, and investigative reporters. What comes out clearly from our class readings and discussions is that the concept of evidence is hard to separate from that of justification. Evidence refers to the ‘act of justification.’ That being the case, human beings cannot treat any non-normative thing as evidence. This is true because human beings simply do not understand the provided evidence.
In his article, Edward Condon presents some useful ideas and arguments that relate to the concept of evidence. To begin with, Condon applies what scholars call critical thinking to address the issue of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The physicist looks at the historical past to examine the nature of scientific knowledge and improvement. According to Condon, scientists and researchers can advance the study of UFOs in the future because the practice will never advance human knowledge and research. The discussions and findings by Condon offer the best ideas to explore the issue of UFOs. Such discussions and arguments are significant because they relate closely to the concept of evidence as it has presented in this week’s discussions.
Any evidence supporting or telling in favor of a thing or theory will always confirm it. On the other hand, any evidence that is telling against a theory or thing will disconfirm it. This explains how any piece of evidence can be used to disconfirm or confirm a thing. As Condon argues, people should verify evidence before confirming or disconfirming a specific theory. This approach explains why men can use the concept of evidence to become critical thinkers. The word “verification” has been used to analyze the degree (or level) of confirmation for very many years. This has become an important aspect of critical thinking.
Condon’s argument goes further to explain why the human understanding of the external world cannot favor people’s commonsense or ordinary views about the world. Any evidence should be justifiable and sufficient to promote theory building. Evidence is something that seeks to confer justification. This concept should always relate to the idea of human reasoning. This explains why “evidence” and “reason to believe” are distinguishable and synonymous. Every person is justified to believe, depending on his or her evidence. However, the important thing is bearing the nature of the evidence.
As Condon believes, every individual’s evidence or case should be analyzed depending on the presented merits and facts. This explains why people can use these views and ideas by Condon during critical thinking. The concept of evidence compels people to analyze every situation or theory carefully. Critical thinking encourages people to examine everything carefully without leaving every stone untouched. This is true because people analyze information or evidence depending on the situation.
The author of the article makes valid claims about evidence. Condon explains why it would be wrong to consider the study of UFOs as a relevant endeavor. The physicist also explains why scientific studies should explore every record without the help of others. The concept of evidence encourages every person to treat different situations with caution and dignity. That being the case, critical thinking is a coordinated process whereby the individual makes rational, clear, real, and open-minded decisions. Such decisions are also informed by evidence-based practices and observations. Every person should use reflective thinking and make the right decisions about his or her goals. The concept helps people know what to achieve or believe. A critical thinker will always commit himself or herself to the ‘idea of reason’ and formulation of personal beliefs.
The concept of evidence, as portrayed by Condon explains how human beings can become successful critical thinkers. The concept encourages people to conceptualize, synthesize, analyze, and evaluate every kind of evidence and information to have a good conclusion. The concept of evidence encourages observation and use of the best criteria to have the best judgment. It also encourages people to use the best methods and techniques to make informed decisions. People can use the concept of evidence to tackle and address most of the issues affecting them.
The article by Condon explains why critical thinking should be an inward-practice whereby the person seeks to maximum his or her rationality. Critical thinking is a concept used to improve one’s views and ideas. Such ideas will ensure the person makes appropriate decisions in life. The suggestions and recommendations made by Edward Condon make valid claims about evidence. Such practices are critical because they will make people critical thinkers. The article also supports most of the thoughts discussed in the week’s materials. I am also willing to use the concept of evidence to become a critical thinker. The practice will make me a successful person who makes accurate decisions about everything in my life.