By the dictates of the scientific method, we are obliged to seek evidence to disprove our assumptions rather than verify them. If you have a theory, you are not supposed to fixate only on the evidence supporting it. Admittedly, you will rarely see Sherlock do this on Masterpiece Mystery! The Holmesian thrill lies in instantly seizing on the right explanation from the barest facts. What Holmes should be doing, and what Dr. Watson usually suggests, is exploring other possible explanations. Instead of assuming that he’s always right, Watson might say, “Just this once, consider the possibility
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