Relevance, standards of proof, and evidence theory

Abstract

In this essay, I focus on the theoretical project writ large. I do so with both general and specific aims in mind. As a general matter, I attempt to step back from this theorizing to ask and answer a few methodological and meta-theoretical questions: What would a successful theory of evidence look like? By what criteria can or ought we assess such a theory? And what might the purpose of such theorizing be?