The theory and practice of argumentation and debate
CHAPTER IV
EVIDENCE
I. Sources of Evidence 39
1. Personal knowledge 39
2. Personal interviews 40
3. Personal letters 41
4. Current literature 42
5. Standard literature 45
6. Special documents 46
(1) Reports and pamphlets issued by organizations 46
(2) Reports and documents issued by the government 48
II. Recording Evidence 51
1. Use small cards or sheets of paper of uniform size 53
2. Place only one fact or point on each card 53
3. Write only on one side of the card 53
4. Express the idea to be put on the card in the simplest and most direct terms 54
5. Make each card complete in itself 54
6. In recording material for refutation put an exact statement of the argument to be refuted at the top of the card 55
7. State the main issue or subject to which the evidence relates at the top of the card 55
8. State the source from which the evidence is taken at the bottom of the card 56
III. Selecting Evidence 58
1. The evidence must come from the most reliable source to which it can be traced 58
2. A person quoted as authority must be unprejudiced, in full possession of the facts, and capable of giving expert testimony on the point at issue 60
3. Evidence should be examined to determine whether there are attendant circumstances which will add to its weight 62
4. The selection of evidence must be fair and reasonable 64
5. The position and arguments of the opposition should be taken into consideration 65
6. That evidence which will appeal most strongly to those to whom the argument is to be addressed should be selected 66
IV. The Amount of Evidence Required 68