Opinion

This chapter explores that familiar word opinion and examines the way it affects our ability to think critically.

Opinions are based on an understanding of evidence and risks in a situation and is important and highly valued. It can be well substantiated or not. They can be based either on reasons or solely on whim, feelings, emotions or prejudice. We recognize the difference between responsible and irresponsible opinion and that we distinguish statements based on evidence from statements based solely on feelings.

Opinions are one of the few things that are based clearly on an individual personal ideas and thoughts. It’s what makes us different from one another. If everybody had the same opinions perhaps we would live in a much more peaceful world, but it would be so boring everybody would view everything in the same way not much would have been accomplished.

Critical thinking requires that we recognize the difference between responsible and irresponsible opinion.



P177 An Exercise in Evaluating Opinions

Rate the following opinions as:
A. An opinion I would accept and act on
B. Worthy of Consideration
C. I’d want another opinion
D. Forget It!

1. Your doctor says you need surgery immediately.
A
2. A psychiatrist testifies in court that the defendant is not guilty by reason of insanity.
B
3. The weather forecaster says it will rain tomorrow.
B
4. Your attorney says you should sue your neighbor for damages.
B
5. You want to rent an apartment but the neighbor next door says the landlord is a weirdo.
C
6. Your best friend tells you your fiancée is tacky.
D
7. Your English instructor says you don’t know how to think and should see a psychiatrist.
D
8. Your astrologer tells you not to go on any long trips in May.
D
9. The judge says you are guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol.
A
10. An engineer says you can prevent your basement from flooding by blasting holes for drainage in your foundation.
C
11. Your utility energy advisor says you can conserve energy by having your floors insulated.
B
12. A Pentagon general advises bombing Mexico.
D

P187 Chapter Quiz

1. Expert opinion calculates the risk involved in spacing the gap between the known and the unknown for a particular situation.
True
2. Giving advice is not a way of offering an opinion.
False
3. The results of public opinion polls are equivalent to votes in elections.

False
4. Opinions in the forms of judgments state what is right and wrong, bed and good.

True
5. Some opinions are based on generalizations, such as stereotype, as in the statement “All Chinese look alike."

True
6. Responsible opinions are based on a careful examination of the evidence.

False
7. Opinions are the same as facts.

False
8. Gossip is opinion sharing without any requirement for substantiation.

True
9. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion because all opinion carries equal value. 

False
10. Prevailing sentiment refers to popular opinion that changes with the times.
True