1-1a5a1 The process of argument starts in the middle, and doesn’t start with axioms and end with the conclusion

“Deductions were made from the hypothesis; then the theory was further tested against new evidence, revised if need be, until finally the truth emerged with a probability close to certainty.” – Martin Gardner on Sherlock Holmes

“We approached the case…with an absolutely blank mind, which is always an advantage. We had formed no theories. We were there simply to observe and to draw inferences from our observations.” – Sherlock Holmes

Next:

• 1-1a5a2 Good writing happens at the edge of explicit-inexplicit or explicit-unconscious — that is, via surprises.

Related:

• 1-1a5b4.5 Our eyes produce clarity through a perpetual process of adjustment
• 4-1a1 Real conversation is full of false starts
• 5-2b7 The skeptical empiricist doubts both data and theory