Question

What is the difference between what is certain and what is probable? If, as in a courtroom, the jury decides that something has been proved "beyond a reasonable doubt," does that mean that it is certainly true or merely highly probable? Are we persuaded only by what is certain or sometimes by what is probable, in that it is likely to be true, or that most people would agree that it is true?

Answer 1

When something is certain it means it is something that is sure, there is no doubt it is like that. However, when something is probable it means that it is very likely to be true but it is not certain.

If a jury decides that something has been proved "beyond a reasonable doubt" it means it is almost certainly true. This means the jury have no doubt or that the doubts are unreasonable and that is why the person is found guilty.

We are persuaded not only by what is certain but also by what is probable.

Step-by-step explanation:

To complete this exercise, you have to answer the questions about the concept of persuasion, certainty and probability.

The concept "beyond a reasonable doubt" is used in courtrooms by the jury when there is proof enough to say that something has been proved. It means that something is legally accepted as being true.