The kind of parallel process presented in figure 10.1 can be hard to grasp, so here is a more linear
depiction of how descriptive evidence can help to establish prescriptive norms. I will call this
sequence the normative procedure.
1. Identify a domain of practices, such as scientific inference (chapter 2) or ethical reasoning
(chapter 9).
2. Identify candidate norms for these practices, such as inference to the best explanation (chapter 2)
or consequentialism (chapter 9).
3. Identify the appropriate goals of the practices in the given domain, such as truth (chapter 4) and
vital needs (chapter 8).
4. Evaluate the extent to which different practices accomplish the relevant goals.
5. Adopt as domain norms those practices that best accomplish the relevant goals.