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As this blog will be a compilation of my thoughts and opinions, as well as occasional forays into subjects of a factual nature, I feel it is important to forward with a discussion on the differences between "opinion" and "fact".
Having been a contributing member of discussion boards on the Internet for many years, as well as occasionally engaging in face to face conversation with *gasp!* real live people a few times in my life...I have come to the realization that there is an alarming lack of understanding as to the differences between "opinion" and "fact"; or more poignantly, the difference between stating an "opinion" and stating a "fact" which one believes to be true.
Definitively speaking, a stated "opinion" cannot be wrong. An opinion is a statement about how one feels about something, and while feelings can be misguided, or inappropriate, they cannot be "wrong".
A "fact", however, can be wrong. One can state something as a "fact" and have no idea what they are talking about.
The confusion between fact and opinion can become problematic in two ways. The first is when one or more participants in a conversation attempt to use opinion as fact, and vice-versa. The second problem arises when someone engaged in conversation attempts to argue with someone stating a legitimate opinion.
Let's explore these concepts, shall we?
For example, If you and I were having a conversation about, say, snakes...and you were to say "Snakes scare me, they are creepy and gross." That would be a stated opinion. I could not argue with that, or attempt to tell you you are incorrect. The above statement describes how you feel about snakes.
If you were to then say "I don't like snakes because they can be dangerous." You would be stating a fact. In this case you would be stating a true fact, and I would therefore not attempt to correct you.
However, the following statement "I don't like snakes because they are slimy, and evil." is an attempt at presenting a point based on erroneous facts. I would argue this statement by presenting true facts, such as: "Snakes are not slimy, they do not possess any glands or organs to secrete any sort of substance through there skins, and that evil is a man made term used to describe an innate desire to do wrong simply for the pleasure derived from causing pain to others. No entity on this earth is capable of "evil" except for man, because man is the only known entity that has the capacity to understand the concept of morality.
If you were to say "in my opinion..." or "I feel that..." followed by "snakes are reptiles" you would be attempting to state a fact as an opinion. It is not you're "opinion" that snakes are reptiles. It is a fact. You don't get to have "feelings" on this, it just is.
As an aside, if you've ever watched King of The Hill, Peggy Hill is infamous for stating just this kind of "opinion" and it makes her sound like a pompous ass (intentionally by the show's writers), as it will anyone who attempts to use this form of point-making.
The major breakdown in intelligent conversation and debate, is when people allow their emotions to supersede their ability to reason. This generally results in the conversation degenerating into a series of personal attacks on the participants.
For example; I like snakes. You don't like snakes. If you were to say that "I don't like snakes, they are mean", and I were to respond with: "Well, you are an ignorant idiot", that does nothing to further the conversation.
I may desire to attempt to sway your opinion. The only way to accomplish this would be to provide facts that may show you a different view point on the subject. If I simply insult your intelligence, you will not listen to anything I have to say, and it would be a lost cause.
In conclusion, in any posts I may make in the future, some will be informative and based on facts. I make it a point to not attempt to state anything as a fact unless I have researched the topic and can be certain it is in fact, true.
There will also be posts based entirely on my opinion, which will in turn be based on true facts.
I welcome any opportunity to discuss or debate on any topic I may write about. However, I refuse to engage in juvenile name calling arguments.
Please feel free to engage in discussion. Please refrain from causing any discussions to degenerate into the realm of blatant idiocy.
Have a nice day! =)
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