Convergence

Where does the preponderance of all relevant evidence point? Essentially this principle applies the idea that different credible, but fallible sources of evidence can be merged in a logical framework to verify a claim or support an hypothesis, each supplying a measure of confirmation in a different way, coalescing to build a compelling case†. No single piece of the puzzle ‘proves’ the claim, rather it is the combined impact of the coherent whole. Casting doubt on any one piece of the evidence from diverse sources fails to destroy the effect of the larger picture.

It should be noted that if serious objections or substantive doubts in enough of the ‘strands’ are exposed, a convergence of disconfirmation may result.

†Successful examples include Evolution by Natural Selection and the verification of The Holocaust.

Also known as Consilience of Inductions

††Consilience

The result of a process of assessment in which several or multiple forms and/or lines of evidence point towards the same conclusion.

(see also: comparative method)