202408122103 The conclusiveness of an argument requires rigor

Rigor is required when formalizing and generalizing an argument. In order for the conclusion of the argument to be valid, the argument must be well structured, the assumptions must be valid, and the logic must be correct.

I immediately know that I have to pay attention to formal correctness when using the note, or that I have to pay attention to my premises (basic assumptions) so that the argument is not only valid (logically correct), but also conclusive (I can also rely on the truth of the conclusion). Arguments are constructs to transfer the truth of some statements (the basic assumptions) to another (the conclusion). I must therefore ensure that the basic assumptions are true (by means of further arguments and empirical evidence) and that the transfer of truth is correct.¹

In order to be good at this, we must practice formalization. If you capture an argument, formalize it to make it easier to understand. If you are capture a model, actively think through what aspects of reality it describes and how exactly the model relates these aspects to each other. Practicing formalization can be made easier if we use the skills and tools you already have. If you’re an engineer, you’re already an expert at representing problems, using models, and inferring causal chains. Let these skills shine in your notes.

Furthermore, the actual structure of a note written as an argument is a tool in and of itself for thinking. The mere fact that the note is written as a formalized argument indicates the care needed when using it and applying it, but also acts as a hint for the thought paradigm we use when reading and thinking about the concepts. Remember 202209091141 The goal of note-taking is not to be better at taking notes, it's to be better at thinking.

Applying rigor and using it compounds the benefits over time (202304112152 Intellectual investment is like compound interest). We set up a system of thought as a tool.