From: Jonathan Davis (jonathan@limbicnutrition.com)
Date: Tue Aug 20 2002 - 13:25:05 MDT
The FAIR Assessment Engine
http://www.centroidcafe.com/Phil-N.htm
"The FAIR Assessment Engine is a general method for rigorously evaluating
unusual or weird claims that you might encounter. This "engine" has four
cycles or steps-similar to a four-cycle internal combustion engine. Of
course, you must still do the thinking! This engine is just a tool."
Formulate the unusual claim.
This is the "intake" cycle. Because some claims may be stated in vague or
incomplete ways, the first step is to formulate it so that it is as clear
and specific as possible. Note: Although not all claims are hypotheses, any
unusual claim can be considered a hypothesis-a provisional explanation for a
particular phenomenon.
Analyze the evidence for the claim.
This is the "compression" cycle. At this point you put the claim under the
pressure of your analysis of the evidence or reasons that are put forward to
support it. You will use the critical thinking principles outlined in the
CTP List.
Identify alternative hypotheses.
This is the "combustion" cycle. Now, you let your creative imagination and
critical intelligence explode into other possible ways to explain the
phenomenon in question.
Rate each hypothesis
This is the "exhaust" cycle. You will eliminate all hypotheses that fail the
criteria of adequacy. Only the most robust hypothesis remains-generating new
or more refined understanding.
The website above is an excellent critical thinking resources. It is listed
along with many others on my one page critical thinking portal [
http://www.ukpoliticsmisc.org.uk/usenet_evidence/critical_thinking.htm ].
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Regards
Jonathan
http://www.limbicnutrition.com/blog/
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