Methodology of Mental Diligence
By Matt Arnold, written 2000 - 2002
Specifically and clearly define terms in a claim or question.
Cultivate self-awareness. Habitually attempt to become aware of preconceptions and biasing factors.
Set the standard of satisfactory proof proportional to the controversy of the claim, its relevance to decision-making , and the importance of the decisions affected. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.
Assign comparative weight to standards of credibility. Accumulate observations of their reliability by holding them accountable to as many other standards as possible.
Seek out the strongest contradictory hypotheses and alternative explanations, and attempt to understand their perspectives.
All other things being equal, prefer explanations which require the fewest assumptions of unexplained or hypothetical factors.
Motivation to believe is not sufficient to replace substantiation for a belief.
The burden of proof is on they who assert. Suspended judgement must be the default position.
Clearly specify the conditions under which an explanation or description could be falsified.
Add qualifiers to conclusions to proportion the strength of convictions to the strength of the evidence.
Clearly identify speculation and acknowledge unresolved questions.