1.1.2—Factors informing perspectives

An influence helps explain where a perspective came from; an argument is a reason or evidence offered to defend or challenge it.

Use the distinction when evaluating a claim: culture, science, law, religion, events and lived experience can shape a view, but none automatically proves the view correct.

Drought experience may shape a farmer’s support for water restrictions; rainfall records cited in the debate are an argument about whether the restriction works.

The drought experience is an influence on the farmer's perspective; rainfall records and evidence about the restriction's effects are arguments that can support or challenge the policy position.

A cause of a perspective is not automatically evidence that the perspective is correct.