Method

Start with the claim

Every inquiry should begin by stating the claim clearly. A claim might come from religion, politics, culture, science, business, personal testimony, scripture, tradition or authority. If the claim is vague, it should be clarified before it is accepted, rejected or criticised.

Check the source

Sources do not all carry the same weight. A sacred text, official document, scientific paper, historical record, news report, personal story, political speech or social media post should not be treated as equal evidence. The source should be identified and judged carefully.

Separate fact from interpretation

Facts, claims, assumptions, interpretations, traditions, beliefs and opinions should be separated. This is especially important when examining religion, scripture, war, politics, economics, animal welfare and environmental decisions.

Look for evidence

Evidence may support a claim, weaken it or show that it is uncertain. Lack of evidence does not always prove something false, but it does mean the claim should not be treated as established truth.

Test the reasoning

A claim can be emotionally powerful and still be badly reasoned. Truth By Reason should look for contradiction, circular reasoning, special pleading, fear, authority, group pressure and selective use of evidence.

Consider consequences

Ideas and decisions affect people, animals, nature and society. A belief, law, policy, tradition or economic decision should be examined not only for whether it is claimed to be true, but also for what it causes in practice.

Apply ethics consistently

The same moral standards should be applied to individuals, religions, governments, organisations, businesses and institutions. Something should not be excused merely because it is old, popular, profitable, legal, patriotic or called sacred.

Correct mistakes

Truth-seeking requires correction. If better evidence or better reasoning appears, the conclusion should be changed.