Certitude

Certitude Degrees of Certitude refer to categories used to distinguish various levels of confidence based on the amount and quality of evidence. **Absolute certitude** means that there is no doubt or we can be one hundred percent certain. Mathematical equations exemplify. **Moral certitude** means that there is no reasonable doubt or something on the order of ninety percent certain. To establish moral certitude means that there should be no evidence to the contrary or the contrary position should be supported only by speculation. A Criminal court conviction exemplifies. **Clear and convincing certitude** means that the evidence supporting the statement is far more substantial than the evidence to the contrary or something on the order of seventy-five percent certain. Some civil court actions require this level of certitude to prevail. **Probable certitude** means that there is a preponderance of evidence. The statement is slightly more likely than not to be the case or fifty-one percent certain. Most civil court cases exemplify. **Functional certitude** simply assumes the statement is true despite the absence of a preponderance of evidence. Articles in the tabloids often exemplify.
 * Certitude ** refers to the level of confidence one can reasonably have as to the truthfulness of a statement. Philosophical certitude is based on evidence and shuns speculation. Religious certitude is based in faith because in the presence of evidence one has no need for faith, so the tenets of faith are speculative.