Definitions Frequently Used about Evidence—or Problems with Evidence
All definitions are from Merriam- Webster Online (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary)
.
Assume, Assumption, and Opinion
Look at the definitions for fact and evidence. Compare them with the definitions for Assume, Assumption, and Opinion. What you ought to notice is that there are not a lot of facts and evidence in assumptions or opinions.
Fact: something that truly exists or
happens : something that has actual existence evidence: something which shows
that something else exists or is true |
Assume: to think that
something is true or probably true without knowing that it is true Assumption: something
that is believed to be true or probably true but that is not known to be true
: something that is assumed |
Opinion: a belief,
judgment, or way of thinking about something : what someone thinks about a
particular thing |
Your credibility will frequently be tied to your examples. If you select examples that are atypical or that ignore the
contradictions covered in the section you are using, you will lose that
precious credibility.
to select as being the best or most
desirable; also : to select the best or most desirable from |
It is easier to see its meaning with facts
by looking at its related words.
Synonyms cherry-pick, cull, … handpick, … pick, prefer, select, single (out)… |
You can make-up “fanciful details” about
your “account of a trip” but not
about history. If the author of the required source (the textbook) does not
give details, then you can’t—and you don’t need to. Verify what you say by
checking the source, or don’t say it.
to make beautiful with
ornamentation : decorate
<a book embellished with illustrations> to heighten the attractiveness of
by adding decorative or fanciful details : enhance
<embellished our account of the trip> |
Among the synonyms for embellish are some
ugly words if you are striving to figure things out honorably; … embroider, exaggerate, hyperbolize, magnify, pad, stretch |
Copyright C. J. Bibus, Ed.D. 2003-2013 |
WCJC Department: |
History – Dr. Bibus |
Contact Information: |
281.239.1577 or bibusc@wcjc.edu
|
Last Updated: |
2013 |
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