Political Debates With Many Assertions & No Evidence
May 28, 2024โข307 words
"The assertion that 'all men are created equal' was of no practical use in effecting our separation from Great Britain and it was placed in the Declaration not for that, but for future use." ~ Abraham Lincoln
"I have always wanted to deal with everyone I meet candidly and honestly. If I have made any assertion not warranted by facts, and it is pointed out to me, I will withdraw it cheerfully." ~ Abraham Lincoln
American politics will soon immerse everyone into the debate cycle with many assertions.
An assertion is a statement as true without providing evidence.
An individual's assertions claim something to be accurate and are often emphatic to express strong belief. However, they aren't always based on solid proof and can stem from opinions or beliefs. The context affects the meaning and the required evidence for an assertion, which can spur debates by inviting agreement or counter-evidence.
In other words, assertions are bold statements that may or may not be true.
They can spark discussion or express strong beliefs but often need more evidence for validation. While usually straightforward, assertions can be problematic. Individuals spouting assertions can spread misinformation based on false information or personal opinions, particularly in critical areas like science, health, or politics.
Blindly accepting assertions without questioning them can be detrimental, as it hampers critical thinking and leaves people vulnerable to manipulation.
Confirmation bias definitively leads individuals to accept assertions that align with their beliefs, strengthening those biases.
Many political assertions tend to simplify complex issues, overlooking important nuances and undermining expertise when uninformed opinions are given equal weight.
To avoid these risks, improve critical thinking, question statements, seek diverse perspectives, fact-check information, be mindful of biases, and value evidence and expertise from credible sources.