I said you should look up facts first. I didnt say they are all stats, but stats are a compendium of data that is used to HELP analyze complex situations. Statistics should always be scrutinized to identify weaknesses, which is why one by itself is usually not enough. Other types of facts do exist, and should also be used.
In addition to facts, logical argument is important, it is what connects facts and makes sense of them and their connection to any situation/issue. However, absent of facts/evidence, a theory has no verification. The evidence and stats are the best attempt at applying scientific method to test theories. Concurrently, facts are useless without being arranged by logic and reason to form a cognitive theory.
I use both of these things in conjunction, you disdain one of them.
Also causal theory should not be dismissed, but it is only one element of analysis necessary to understanding a situation. You must know the constitution of a situation to understand the dynamics, and possibly be able to positively verify causes.
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