Saturday, May 30, 2009

Very Squishy Knowledge

Physics and mathematics are known as the pure sciences. The accepted "facts" of these disciplines can usually be verified by mathematical proof. If 2+2=4 then 4-2=2. It doesn't leave a lot of room for argument. The late Harvard University Paleontologist Steven Jay Gould referred to Biology and the Social Sciences as the "squishy" sciences. These disciplines do not provide clear mathematical proofs, but rely primarily on statistical probabilities to support their theories.

In courtroom trials of the "he said-she said" variety, there is often a complete lack of any meaningful physical or corroborating evidence. The jury must make a decision based primarily by weighing the perceived credibility of one person's word against another, and of course, the pomp and theatrical abilities of their respective lawyers. In child sexual abuse trials this is often the case. But the reality is that most juries find child witnesses to be highly credible, in spite of the fact that it has now been shown that children often lie on the witness stand, for a variety of reasons. Juries also convict not because there is innocence beyond a reasonable doubt, but because there is the possibility that the accused person might be guilty, and they don't want the responsibility of setting them free to abuse another child. This is a manifestation of the child sexual abuse hysteria that has become an integral part of our culture over the last quarter century. By reaching verdicts based on these fears, juries have sent untold innocents to prison for decades, or life.

In reviewing the sparse and often circumstantial evidence in these cases, one can never be absolutely certain of whether or not the alleged assault actually occurred. Anytime any adult is alone with a child there is the possibility that a sexual assault could have occurred. Eventually you have to come down on the side of guilt or innocence of the accused. That decision is based on epistemological knowledge. After reviewing all of the evidence we ask ourselves the question - does this accusation seem plausible and reasonable? That is as much an intuitive decision as it is a logical one. And therefore, it is a decision subject to the pitfalls of human fallibility, fear and ignorance.

Very squishy knowledge indeed!

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

Dear Darrell,

I came across this site & wept.

I believe these kids have been horrendously abused, not, I hasten to add, by the (obviously innoccent) women accused, but by the people who so shamelessly manipulated them for their own ends.

I can't even begin to comprehend the suffering these poor women are enduring.

Good on you.

iries said...

I don't understand how you can write about people.With out checking up on it.Did you talk to the family in Colorado.That lie was made up by Rosemary.No one ever talked to Mr Limon.She was mad that she had lost in court.And yes she did go to court and lost.Second John does not have an older sister.I can go on .But i just want to know why you did not check before you wrote peoples names with out asking.

khusbhu said...
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pita said...

Darrell, mine is Pita I was in there with Liz for a while and she is the sweetest person as you know. She is so blessed to have met you and just want to tell you thank you for all that you are doing for my dear friend.

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Anonymous said...

Can't believe this "father" put his poor innocent daughters through the humiliating discomfort of having to go through those examinations for his selfish personal vendetta of not getting what he wanted. We women don't look forward in going to the gynecologist. But we have to for our health. Uncomfortable. But has to be done. Little girls should not have to spread for that for unnecessary reasons. God bless them from that monster. Good honest young women they have become to do the right thing and come forward and tell the truth and do the right thing.