How topics are evaluated

The shape of a topic

Topics are the primary units of Mediajury. At the top of the tree is a topic. A topic is made of arguments and conclusions. Arguments are explanations related to the topic, based on evidence. Conclusions are the culmination of valid arguments, like verdicts in a court case. Evidence are datapoints and artifacts. In a nutshell, a topic follows this tree:

• Topic: the claim being tested.
• Arguments: each one citing its evidence.
• Evidence: attached to the arguments it supports.
• Conclusions: drawn from the arguments that hold.

Logical validity

Ultimately, in a productive topic, conclusions and arguments depend on the veracity of the evidence cited, as well as their logical validity. By logical validity we mean whether a piece of evidence supports the argument, and whether the argument supports the conclusion.

It's very possible for evidence to be authentic but not support an argument. Similarly, an argument can be logically valid in itself but not relevant to the conclusion; this is called a non sequitur.