Silent Evidence

A great deal of energy is spent evaluating evidence in critical thinking  classes.

The evidence we possess has special salience in our thinking because it is visible, right in front of us. Nassim Taleb, however, reminds us that some of the most important evidence is the evidence we do not have because it is not only unavailable, but also will remain unavailable.

When, as part of critical thinking, we make a habit of inquiring about missing information that would affect the quality of an argument, we do so in major part because we believe the request is a genuine one, in the sense that we fully expect the requested information to be revealed so that we can make a more reflective decision. But suppose there is evidence we will never obtain despite its importance for a thoughtful evaluation of an argument.

While uncertainty pains our humanistic urges to control our world, the discomfort associated with the impenetrability of silent evidence makes nary a dent in its enormous significance. Critical thinking requires humility, and few things teach us as effectively about the need for that attitude as does our interaction with silent evidence.

Despite the efforts of many authors with a dream of a best seller firmly embedded in their consciousness, no one has been able to convince us that he or she can describe the experience of being dead. Yet, the details of that experience, if one dare call it an experience, might have substantial effects on the way we live our lives. Similarly, no one will ever be able to capture what we have lost because prospective female poets and scientists were never freed from a patriarchal history.  We can guess, but the evidence is forever silent.