As we close our exploration of the Ladder of Inference, we prepare to leave remembering, “We’ll always have P.A.R.I.S.” (A simple learning mnemonic, Presentation, Application, Reflection, Implication, Strategy) However, I want to launch another framing device – T.R.U.S.T. (Think critically, Research, Understand, Study, Test) This rubric helps move us along the pathway from data to information to knowledge to wisdom. In our current cultural reality, there is a mass confusion between the difference of information and knowledge. True knowledge is impossible when based on false, incomplete, or misleading information.

But back to the Ladder of Inference and how we can use this conceptual frame as a positive foundation for learning and communication rather than a jumping off point for ignorance, intolerance, division, and conspiracy theories.

Once more into the fray of Chris Argyris’s brilliant model of the Ladder of Inference (see prior four posts).

So, how do we protect ourselves from error? That is where T.R.U.S.T. comes in. In every circumstance, we all have a certain level of common sense and reason to apply; an ability to think critically. While walking outside, we see movement from the corner of our eye. Which is more likely – a gust of wind or a ghost? I’m not saying it might not be a ghost, but if we look around (observe), we may notice grass and leaves fluttering in a breeze, making the wind a much more sensible and reasonable explanation. An outbreak of devastating wildfires occur. Which is more likely, a shift in weather conditions or Jewish space lasers? In everything that happens, we climb the first three rungs of the ladder of inference whether we are conscious of it or not.

Then, based on these lower rungs, we hit the middle two – incredibly important and deceptively simple – rungs on the ladder: interpretation and assumption. If we are a bit confused or feel we don’t have enough information to make a decision, we need to do a little research. This is often referred to as “fact checking” or simply verifying the legitimacy and veracity of the source of data and information. In our hyperlinked ultra connected culture, this is very easy. Within a few minutes, anyone can confirm that reports of climate change and study of weather anomalies are abundant, with some of the most learned minds offering evidence in support. At the same time, it is easy to learn that technologies and equipment for weather manipulation exist only in science fiction and the ethnic designation is a specific bigotry shared only by a very ignorant few. Research doesn’t require specialized knowledge or a significant investment of time or effort. Most information can be confirmed or refuted within a few minutes.

An important aspect of research is checking primary sources. Almost any statement can be taken out of context and manipulated to convey a message – accurate or otherwise. Often, media outlets (including social media) will “quote” AP (the Associated Press). Sometimes, outlets with opposing biases will “quote” the same article to make outlandishly divergent points. An example: “Manuel Garcia was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement upon reports from unnamed sources that he was undocumented and may have engaged in criminal activities. During processing for deportation, it was discovered that Garcia is an American citizen, born to immigrant parents. Garcia’s father is currently serving a twenty-year prison term for armed robbery, but Garcia has no criminal record. Garcia was released.” The report on one outlet shared, “ICE agents apprehended Manuel Garcia, reported to ‘have engaged in criminal activities.’ Garcia’s father in a convicted felon, “serving a twenty-year prison term for armed robbery.” A second outlet reported, “U.S. citizen, Manuel Garcia, was arrested by ICE due to “reports from unnamed sources that he was undocumented and may have engaged in criminal activities.” ICE acted with no evidence in violation of Garcia’s rights to due process. Neither reported that the mistake was acknowledged or that Garcia was released – though both are crystal clear in the primary source.

Understanding, to the best of our ability, all the different perspectives, arguments, and comprehensions or a situation or disagreement is critically important. Understanding the thesis and motivation of each perspective may seem overwhelming, but generally poor thinking reveals itself fairly quickly, and manipulation is clearly evident. Good arguments and sound information tend to be clear, concise, easily understood, and fairly objective. Bad arguments and spurious information tend to be obscure, emotional, inflammatory, accusatory, and intentionally confusing. A very simple example: terms like “fascist,” “Marxist,” “socialist,” and “fundamentalist” are often used improperly and inappropriately, not because the users are ignorant, but because they bank on the ignorance of their audience to truly and fully understand these terms. Almost all forms of labeling are used to obscure rather than illuminate, and they are powerfully manipulative because they generally carry an emotionally charged negative connotation. These users are not interested in educating, simply manipulating. While we don’t want to ascribe malicious intent to those who disagree with us, we do need to take the time to understand their motivation and purpose. Question, challenge, and investigate ALL labeling and salacious, dismissive, and reductionist name-calling.

To study is to take seriously the importance of what we are being told and shown. Too often, extremely complex and nuanced information is presented simplistically, with the assumption that people will believe anything they are told, if they are told it often enough, loudly enough, by popular voices. The example I lift up is the current situation in the Middle East. There are few more complex, difficult, historically tragic, psychologically complicated, and culturally convoluted relationships than those of Israel-Palestine. Our media, our politicians, and our military would like to reductively explain the situation in terms of good guys and bad guys, taking sides, and supporting allies. Simplistic religious thinkers offer a white-washed, biased, and twisted-scriptural pablum that many swallow without question. For those of us who have traveled the land and talked to people on both sides, nothing is as simple as it seems, and everyone I know who have taken the time to actually read up on and study the situation come away significantly changed, confused, and angry at the fairytale we have been told. Defending the human rights of innocent women, children, men, students, and the elderly victims in Palestine is NOT antisemitic, though we have an administration (for a wide variety of reasons) that would have us believe this is so. The bottom line is that there is no simple (simplistic) answer or solution to a situation this complex and difficult. And it doesn’t take much study or inquiry to realize that U.S. involvement and interference in this volatile situation is doing and has done more damage than good. Opinion? I invite you to think critically, research, deepen your understanding, study, then test out what you are hearing, seeing, and learning.

Putting our thinking, opinions, and beliefs to the test does not mean picking fights, looking for trouble, or seeking debate. What it does mean is adopting a compelling curiosity to validate, verify, confirm, and substantiate to the best of our ability that what we believe and say is accurate and true. We cannot control what others believe and say, but we can control what we believe and say. And the more we say and believe things that are not true, accurate, or credible, the harder it is for us to make good decisions, to take appropriate action, and to fulfill our gospel mandate to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength, and neighbor as self.

Long winded, I know, but I am often challenged about the things I write and teach. I am also asked to comment on things that are happening in our country and world. Now you know the protocols and practices I employ before I share an opinion or perspective. It serves me well, and I encourage others to apply some form of critical thinking and analysis to what they see and hear. We are living in a strange time where misinformation is given the same respect and regard as good information, where lay claims are given the same credence and esteem as those of experts, where speculation is recognized and revered more than science, and where our less-than-learned political leaders are “teaching” us about medicine, law, religion, climate, ethics, and economics. Be skeptical, not cynical; be smart, not suckers.