Argument schemes

Position to Know — witness or reporter

Weighs a claim by whether the source was actually placed to know what they report.

Its critical questions

A claim inferred by this scheme is provisional: it stands only while these stay open or favourable, and an unfavourable answer withdraws the inference.

• Was the source in a position to know?
• Is the report first-hand, or relayed?
• Is the source honest and reliable?

Inferred by this scheme

• Seymour Hersh's claim that the U.S. was involved in February 2023 is (defeasibly) true.

  2 premises depth 1 3 open

• The photo shows Osama.

  2 premises depth 1 3 open

• Joshua Kerry opened the passenger side of a car.

  2 premises depth 1 3 open

• The UK Royal Navy was involved.

  2 premises depth 1 3 open

• The photo shows Joudeh al‑Ghoul's son Amin.

  2 premises depth 1 3 open

• The Secret Service did not receive 102 local radio transmissions about Thomas Crooks.

  2 premises depth 1 3 open