Embedded Files
People have differences of opinion on many topics, including the arts, science, religion, politics, culture, etc. We share, discuss and evaluate these "multiple working hypotheses" in the spirit of clarity, charity and understanding.
One useful tool in this process is the FAITH model, which separates Facts from the Assumptions, Inferences, and Theories that lead to the various hypotheses. Once separated this way, everyone can understand why differences of opinions exist. We usually find that others' opinions, when different from ours, are rational and reasonable based on the underlying assumptions, inferences and theories.
Facts consist of known, objective data points that are universally accepted. Examples include the existence of a historical document, an archaeological site, or a species of plant or animal. The meaning, credibility, and usefulness of the contents of the document, the significance of the archaeological site, and scientific conclusions about biology depend on various assumptions, inferences and theories.
The FAITH model helps achieve clarity, charity and understanding.
F – Facts (demonstrable, objective facts everyone can agree upon)
A – Assumptions (what we assume about those facts, given our worldview, often treated as facts)
I – Inferences, interpretations (how we fill gaps and place the facts into a comfortable context)
T – Theory (overall explanation of the facts)
H – Hypothesis (a narrative basis for further investigation)
The optimum outcome of the FAITH analysis is a set of multiple working hypotheses, all based on the same facts, that people can assess for themselves by tracing back upriver from the hypotheses to the facts through the network of inferences and assumptions. While enabling us to make informed decisions, the analysis also hopes to help us understand how and why others reach different conclusions.
We usually see that the end result—the hypothesis—correlates to the initial assumptions. The hypothesis is driven not by facts, but by assumptions, inferences, and theories.
This surprises many people because we all like to think our opinions are based on facts.
But once we use the FAITH model to separate actual facts from the other elements of our thought process, we can all see that what we may think is obvious is merely confirmation bias.
Google Sites
Report abuse