Tip 659: Examining Claims from Context

From the Critical Thinking Workshops: Examining Claims from Context

We’ve been talking about tests for claims. 

Last week, we talked about logic. This week, we’ll talk about context. Surroundings. Framework. Environment. 

Context gives meaning: 

“That was the best movie I’ve seen all year, but, then, it’s the only movie I’ve seen all year.”

Remove the statement from its context and the meaning changes: 

“That was the best movie I’ve seen all year.”

Another example of losing context is from My Cousin Vinny: 

Bill and Stan are mistakenly arrested for the murder of the Sac-a-Sudsconvenience-store clerk.

In the interrogation room, Bill has no idea why he’s there:

Sheriff Farley: “When’d you shoot him?”

Bill: “What?” 

Sheriff Farley: “At what point did you shoot the clerk?” 

Bill: “I shot the clerk?” 

Sheriff Farley: “When did you shoot him?” 

Bill (eyebrows raised): “I shot the clerk?”

Sheriff Farley is interrupted and storms from the room. 

Bill: “WHOA! WAIT A MINUTE!”

And the sheriff testifies at trial:

Sheriff Farley: “I asked him if he did it, and he said, ‘I shot the clerk.’ I asked him again, and again he said, ‘I shot the clerk.’”

Prosecutor: “Your honor, no further questions.” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PZonyefBW4)

Context gives fuller meaning. 

When presented with a claim, politely ask for and brutally examine the source. 

The source and the context will help you determine the reliability of the claim.  

Next week, we’ll talk about the reliability of the source.       

What are your questions? Let us know. We love this stuff. We do.