Evidence: How do we know what we know about anything?

We’re presented with evidence in many forms: our own observations, informal reports from acquaintances, and some from more formal, official, or systematic sources. How do we (or should we) determine whether to take evidence seriously, since we cannot observe most of it directly ourselves? Charles Darwin, renowned for developing the theory of evolution through natural selection, was born 215 years ago this month. He was a keen observer of the natural world whose cautious and unhurried approach to gathering and synthesizing evidence remains a hallmark of scientific investigation at its best. How do observations “in the wild” (which constituted a large part of Darwin’s evidence) compare with data from controlled experiments?

The Jefferson Center will host a roundtable discussion focusing on the nature of evidence, and how we do and should use it. We’ll examine questions about what constitutes solid evidence. What strategies can work successfully in presenting evidence for an unorthodox or unpopular viewpoint—an issue faced not only by Darwin, but also by Galileo? How do these issues play out today? Are we all entitled to our own opinions, but not our own facts (evidence), or is that reversed?

The Jefferson Center’s program committee will review a few salient episodes in Darwin’s and others’ investigations, with the remainder of the salon devoted to open discussion of the nature of evidence and why we choose to adopt or reject it. The program will be held in the Jefferson Center space, suite 101, in the Old Armory Building, 208 Oak St., in Ashland. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Tony Davis (tonydavis0@gmail.com)

Please note that the salon on animal rights which was originally planned for this date has had to be postponed because our guest was forced to cancel for this date.