(quote from RealReality.org/Real_Faith_and_Reason_Vol_2_-_Scientia.pdf)
We walk by the faith that comes when we hear the rhema (utterance) of God, but some people feel certain they must base all thinking on made-up stuff. Here’s a typical example of a statement from someone who’s convinced all reason must begin with assumptions.
“All reasoning is based on assumptions. All reasoning is done from some point of view. All reasoning is based on data, information, and evidence.” ~ Richard Paul and Linda Elder, The Analysis and Assessment of Thinking
We immediately notice this quote mentions three items.
- assumption
- point of view
- data, information, and evidence
Is all reasoning based on assumptions? Must we always reason from some point of view? Must we always base our reason on our worldviews? If the answer to either of those two questions is “yes,” then no reasoning is based on truth, no reasoning is sound, and knowledge is impossible. Only opinions and manipulation exist if we must base all reasoning on assumptions or some point of view.
What makes the authors of The Analysis and Assessment of Thinking believe “all reasoning is based on assumptions?” What makes them think “all reasoning is done from some point of view?” They base both claims on assumptions. They assume all reasoning is based on assumption. They assume no reasoning is based on divine revelation.
We also notice the quote doesn’t define the terms, “data,” “information,” and “evidence.” Nor does this quote suggest where the data and information come from or how we know it’s accurate. The words “data,” “information,” and “evidence” often mean interpretations riddled with opinion and bias.
(end quote)
