QUESTION 3 - PROVIDING CONTEXT

COMPARED TO WHAT?

Is an appropriate comparison provided in the information that demonstrates context?

Compared to what?

How well does this person understand another view on the issue? How well does an statement stand up to scrutiny?

Comparisons are so useful in argument and good at revelation that their absence in an argument can only mean one of two things (Stupid OR Liar):

  1. this person isn’t capable of defending their own statements against a comparison (stupid).

  2. this person knows there is good evidence to the contrary and is hiding it by not volunteering it (liar).

If a person can supply a comparison then this indicates that they have at least listened to another view - a good sign. If they can describe the comparison in detail even better.


News Media Example:

Would a news media organization tell the unbiased whole truth about one of its largest advertisers (revenue generators)?

Would there be any impulse to present their “best customer” in a positive light, to report one fact over another or not report at all?

Would a news anchor or journalist risk their income to report a fact that would harm the source their income?

The impulse to protect our livelihoods is older than civilization and completely natural.

Why the 4Q?

The 4Q identifies personal bias, promotes objectivity, develops comparisons and accounts for costs.

The 4Q can be applied to any situation to help clarify depth of knowledge on a subject or issue, to examine motivations and to pinpoint double standards.