The assassination as viewed through the eyes of this epistemology
STEP 1: Ask a question or pose a problem.
Was JFK killed by a conspiracy?
STEP 2: List all possible answers, no matter how wild or crazy, no matter how bizarre or biased (comprehensive).
1. Yes
2.
No
STEP 3: Assemble all relevant evidence (comprehensive again)
STEP 4: Divide the evidence into strong and weak; proceed with only strong, direct evidence. (Start with what you’re sure of—very important.)
•
At least two shots were fired.
• JFK was killed by two bullets, from behind.
•
JBC was wounded by at least one bullet, from behind.
• All traceable fragments came from Oswald’s rifle.
• Oswald was killed two days later by Jack Ruby.
• No strong evidence for conspiracy has emerged in 35 years.
STEP 5: List all possible answers, however unlikely, consistent with the strong, direct evidence.
1. Yes, he was killed by a
conspiracy.
2.
No, he was killed by a lone assailant.
STEP 6: Choose the simplest answer consistent with all the facts (Occam’s razor).
Killed by lone assailant.
STEP 7: Test this answer rigorously against its consequences (predictions) or against new evidence gathered explicitly for the purpose.
Answer survives (is retained).
STEP 8: In the meantime, continue testing the answer regularly and vigorously. Be your own harshest critic.
Still survives (retained).
SUMMARY: Lone-assailant hypothesis not proven but still the simplest consistent with all the strong, direct evidence.