Question

How does one know if X is evidence of Y? If one cannot think of a reason as to why X implies Y, is this the same as saying that X is evidence of Y?

Answer 1

To determine if X is evidence of Y, consider their relationship. If X is sufficient for Y, it can be evidence. However, if X is not necessary for Y, it may not be strong evidence. The absence of evidence for X is not evidence of the absence of X.

Step-by-step explanation:

When determining if X is evidence of Y, it is important to consider the relationship between X and Y. If X is sufficient for Y, meaning that whenever X occurs Y always occurs, then X can be considered evidence of Y.

However, if X is not necessary for Y, meaning that Y can occur without X, then X may not be strong evidence of Y. It is also important to remember that the absence of evidence for X is not necessarily evidence of the absence of X.