An inference is the process of drawing a conclusion from supporting evidence. It’s when you go beyond the evidence and reach some further conclusion that either was or was not the intention. Definition from literaryterms.net.
We draw inferential conclusions all the time. Someone yawns, we infer they are tired. Someone’s face turns red, and they scowl, we infer they are angry.
Inference is useful when you want to make a point, but don’t want to state that point directly. Instead of saying “I’m angry at you,” we may become quiet and frown. Sometimes this is because we don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings and we want them to reach the conclusion without our having to state it.
Inference can be useful in trying to influence change. By starting with a litany of all the things the audience doesn’t like the speaker builds anticipation. It doesn’t matter what solution is ultimately proposed, the audience will typically hear something that, in their minds, will fix the problem. The cause-and-effect connection has been solidified.
When a lawmaker makes an inference, people who are already upset by the preamble of things the audience doesn’t like, are willing to take the proposed solution as factual and well thought through.
Of course, a lawmaker can’t really come right out with the proposal – generally the rules of order frown on using elected office as a pulpit. But inference is a powerful thing.
Using inference is a way of saying what you want to say but tiptoeing carefully through the minefield of the rules of order.
We all use inference from time to time.
But is it okay for a lawmaker to make a proposal hiding behind inference? The rules of order are there for a reason. Lawmakers are supposed to represent everyone, all perspectives. They are elected to serve the people – all people – not just those who believe as the lawmaker believes.
Florida has made transparency of government a key issue with the Sunshine Law. Hiding behind inference in public discourse is deflection.
We should expect more from elected officials. We should expect that they don’t try to circumvent the rules to make a point that they know is inappropriate to make.
Shouldn’t we?
about my county st johns county florida 