Dennis Ellsworth

Chapter 6: The Great Crow Fallacy
-An anecdote is an interesting story that future research might settle.
-One or two interesting stories don't prove anything.
-A study supported by data has much more credibility than a random observation.
-Our own experiences can mislead us.
-What you don't know or haven't been told is sometimes more important than what we actually see.
-Real evidence comes from systematic study.
-Estimates are formed on basic assumptions; they shouldn't be considered solid data.
-Studies and data aren't as reliable from a self-interested source.
-Repetition gets more people to believe a statement, but it doesn't make the statement true.
-Authority in one field doesn't mean qualification in another field.
-Ask yourself questions. "Is this source competetant."
-Popularity doesn't settle questions on fact.

Chapter 8: Was Clarence Darrow A Creationist?
-We must question, track back and cross-check our facts to be certain.
-Finding facts requires more than relying on websites, books, newspapers etc.
-Living with doubt is uncomfortable so we often fall into the "I know I'm right" trap.
-The more important the decision, the more careful we have to be.
-People tend to be more analytical when they are confronted with more difficult and irreversible decisions.
-We can be more confident about the facts when they are more widely accepted.
-Ask yourself, "Does this story really back up the headline?"
-Primary sources are more reliable than secondary sources.
-We should be skeptical of researched findings with financial ties.
-Knowing who is behind a statement, is an important part of deciding how much weight to give it.
-Self-interest doesn't make a statement false.
-Personal experience can often mislead us.
-The degree of certainty someone feels is no guarentee of accuracy.
-A good way to be steered wrong is relying on a single source of information.
-Reading two or three articles can give you a more balanced picture of what happened.
-Greater weight should be attributed to sworn testimony.
-Less weight should be given to someone standing to profit.
-A confession should be given special weight.
-Questions can be worded in ways that bias the result.
-Evidence isn't always as precise as it is portrayed.
-Some people rely on cynicism.
-Always look for real evidence/