@Sheldon I wanted to start a fresh conversation with a narrower topic. The other thread outlived it’s use of getting folks’ views out on things a while ago, though of course there were many interesting follow up points.
Here I actually want to make a claim or point and defend it. The sort of argumentation that Sophie is engaged in is sound. Her argument works. Perhaps in the course of the discussion I will be compelled by good objections to make modifications to Sophie’s argument (likely, if folks bring up really good objections). Or perhaps abandon that line of reasoning all together (I don’t expect that, but I have to be open to it).
I would be interested in hearing even a brief general account of what you have in mind by “objectively verifiable evidence.”