Chapter 13, Problem 13.4CTE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Apply knowledge that you have gained in this chapter and one or more of the FLaReS principles to evaluate the following statements or claims.

Some experts believe that global warming is mostly due to methane produced by such natural sources as plant decay in swamps and cattle flatulence. They say that industrial activities that produce carbon dioxide raise the standard of living and should be allowed to continue without interference because they are not the only source of greenhouse gases.

Concept Introduction:

FLaReS are a set of rules to test a claim:

Falsifiability: is there any evidence to show that the claim is false.

Logic: Any evidence provided in support of claim must be of sound reasoning. The conclusion follows inevitably from its premises provided the premise is true.

Replicability: If a claim is based on experimental result it is necessary for the evidence to be replicable in subsequent experiment or trial.

Sufficiency: Burden of the evidence for any claim rests on the claimant. Extraordinary claims demand extraordinary evidence. Evidence based on authority and or testimony is never adequate.

If a claim possess all four, then it might be true. On the other hand, it could still be proven false. However, if a claim fails even one of the FLaReS tests it is likely to be false.