Separate the Evidence Question from the Value Question

When a disagreement feels stuck, try asking what kind of answer could actually move it forward.

Write down two parts:

• Evidence: What could we find out or verify?
• Values: What matters in the choice, even if we agree on the facts?

For example, people might agree on what a rule does but disagree about whether consistency or flexibility matters more. More research can clarify the rule’s effects; it cannot decide which value should take priority. And some disagreements involve both, so the distinction is a starting point—not a tidy verdict.

A useful next check: If we learned this fact, could it change my view? If not, the real question may be about priorities rather than missing information.