What does the absence of positive evidence for an
extraordinary claim mean? Farrell Till answers this
important question. From the Errancy Discussion
list, 2-15-99:
You just can't seem to understand this principle, can you? The absence of positive evidence that the virgin birth of Jesus happened does not constitute proof that it did NOT happen; however, given the extraordinary nature of the claim, the absence of positive evidence that it happened does constitute legitimate reasons not to believe that it happened. If you can't see the difference, then you need more help than I can give you, Matt.
Let's take the Muslim claim that Muhammad divided the moon into two parts. The absence of positive evidence that this event happened does not constitute negative evidence, i.e., evidence that it did NOT happen. However, given the extraordinary nature of the claim, the absence of positive evidence that it happened constitutes very legitimate reasons not to believe that it happened.
extraordinary claim mean? Farrell Till answers this
important question. From the Errancy Discussion
list, 2-15-99:
You just can't seem to understand this principle, can you? The absence of positive evidence that the virgin birth of Jesus happened does not constitute proof that it did NOT happen; however, given the extraordinary nature of the claim, the absence of positive evidence that it happened does constitute legitimate reasons not to believe that it happened. If you can't see the difference, then you need more help than I can give you, Matt.
Let's take the Muslim claim that Muhammad divided the moon into two parts. The absence of positive evidence that this event happened does not constitute negative evidence, i.e., evidence that it did NOT happen. However, given the extraordinary nature of the claim, the absence of positive evidence that it happened constitutes very legitimate reasons not to believe that it happened.
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