I don't agree. The use of I think could be a cheap defense. These are typically followed by "well that's my opinion so nyah".
But I think could also reflect an epistomological stance that only a few things can really be known. As wamatt mentioned, not everyone has the time to build a fortress of logic around everything they say. So the more efficient approach is to state their belief and then offer Just In Time defenses of why they hold these beliefs if the need to justify them is important.
I think this constructive approach is better, in terms of effort and strength, than stating an argument and listing a non exhaustive list of possible exceptions - which is really a dual and more energetic form of the use of I think to ward off objection. Rather than hiding behind a lack of substance, you hide behind too much substance (that may even serve to confuse your main point).
But I think could also reflect an epistomological stance that only a few things can really be known. As wamatt mentioned, not everyone has the time to build a fortress of logic around everything they say. So the more efficient approach is to state their belief and then offer Just In Time defenses of why they hold these beliefs if the need to justify them is important.
I think this constructive approach is better, in terms of effort and strength, than stating an argument and listing a non exhaustive list of possible exceptions - which is really a dual and more energetic form of the use of I think to ward off objection. Rather than hiding behind a lack of substance, you hide behind too much substance (that may even serve to confuse your main point).