Testimony is primarily, only evidence of itself. If I testify to something, then it is evidence that I have testified.
Assuming that it is being reported accurately*, the value of a testimonial, from an epistemic standing, is as useful as it is: testable, confirmable, logical and all of the usual criteria for evaluating evidence.
(* Accuracy = the testimonial being reported matches what the testifier stated, and that the testifier is not in error to begin with. Of course the testimonial taken directly from the testifier's mouth, pen or keyboard etc. may be taken as an accurate account of what they believe).
The testimonial, and its content should be evaluated separately . . .
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Does the testimonial as reported match what was stated by the source?
Did the testifier report what they are testifying to, reliable in the first pace? {Suppose the testifier stated that they saw a green dragon, but in fact the dragon was white - then what?}
Is what was stated; testable, tested, confirmed or not ?
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The testimony is evidence of a testifier, and that there is a testimonial with certain content. The truth, or value of the content has to be evaluated, just as any evidence must.
Assuming that it is being reported accurately*, the value of a testimonial, from an epistemic standing, is as useful as it is: testable, confirmable, logical and all of the usual criteria for evaluating evidence.
(* Accuracy = the testimonial being reported matches what the testifier stated, and that the testifier is not in error to begin with. Of course the testimonial taken directly from the testifier's mouth, pen or keyboard etc. may be taken as an accurate account of what they believe).
The testimonial, and its content should be evaluated separately . . .
_____________________________________________
Does the testimonial as reported match what was stated by the source?
Did the testifier report what they are testifying to, reliable in the first pace? {Suppose the testifier stated that they saw a green dragon, but in fact the dragon was white - then what?}
Is what was stated; testable, tested, confirmed or not ?
_____________________________________________
The testimony is evidence of a testifier, and that there is a testimonial with certain content. The truth, or value of the content has to be evaluated, just as any evidence must.
There are no atheists in terrorist training camps.
