What Reasonable Conclusions Are Possible?

Question 1

Dichotomous Thinking

Answer 1

When people think in black or white, yes or no, right or wrong, or correct or incorrect terms

Question 2

Qualifying Questions on Conclusions

Answer 2

When is it accurate?
Where is it accurate?
Why and for what purpose is it accurate?

Question 3

If-Clause

Answer 3

We state a condition that we are assuming in order to enable us to reach a particular conclusion; presents you with multiple conclusions that you should assess before making up your mind about the controversy, broadens the list of possible conclusions from which you can choose your own position

Question 4

Clues for Identifying Alternative Conclusions

Answer 4

Try to identify as many conclusions as possible that would follow from the reasons
Use if-clauses to qualify alternative conclusions
Reword the issue to “What should we do about Y?

Question 5

When A Factual Claim Could be Accepted as Dependable

Answer 5

When the claim appears to be undisputed common knowledge
When the claim is the conclusion from a well-reasoned argument
When the claim is adequately supported by solid evidence in the same communication or by other evidence that we know