Ikwipedia:Evidence

The investigation of paradigm-shifting phenomena involving other intelligent entities necessarily must rely on non-empirical evidence. That empirical evidence is infrequent in such investigations is hypothetically a reflection of the nature of the subjects themselves and not due to an inherent invalidity of the topic. Paranormal entities, conspiracy actors, and other elusive beings — if they exist — may actively resist empirical scrutiny, understanding the significance of empirical demonstrations (experiments), physical evidence, and reproducible phenomena in a manner similar to the investigators themselves.

On evidence

Fields such as biological history, archaeology, geology, journalism, and investigations of all kinds — ranging from criminal to disease outbreak investigations — commonly rely on evidence that cannot be empirically reproduced. By virtually any standard, evidence encompasses more than reproducible experiments. Though every paradigm has its potential inaccuracies, the conclusions of established practitioners in these fields are often granted a similar authority to those based more exclusively on empirical methods. Non-empirical evidence, including documents, artifacts, photographs, videos, and testimony, are all equally valid and essential for building knowledge and supporting investigations.

Testimony as evidence

Evidence includes testimony. As with other evidence, testimony's value is determined based on its relevance, context, alignment with other evidence, contribution to understanding, and explanatory power of the theories it supports.