In today’s online conversations, it’s become all too common for someone to express an opinion, only for another individual to counter it with factual evidence, at which point the original speaker retorts, “I’m entitled to my opinion.” However, that’s not quite accurate.
You have the right to hold opinions about personal likes and dislikes, such as preferring strawberries over bananas or enjoying summer over winter. It’s perfectly acceptable to have preferences based on your own experiences. However, this entitlement does not extend to opinions that lack a foundation in logic, reason, and factual evidence. You can’t assert a belief, have it challenged with solid proof, and then dismiss the rebuttal by saying, “Well, I’m entitled to my opinion.”
Sure, you can voice that opinion — free speech allows it — but you shouldn’t expect it to go unchallenged. Furthermore, you can’t anticipate that others will treat your opinion as equally valid just because you label it as such. Opinions vary in quality, and those that are supported by sound reasoning and evidence are far more credible than those that aren’t.
Subjective vs. Objective Opinions
Some opinions are inherently subjective. For example, no one can dispute your fondness for a specific flavor of ice cream, as that’s a personal sentiment. Yet, when it comes to more objective matters, where evidence contradicts your view, you face two choices: accept that you’re clinging to an opinion that doesn’t align with reality or adjust your stance to reflect what the evidence shows. Alternatively, you might choose to fabricate “alternative facts” that exist in a different reality — but that’s hardly a constructive path.
Rational individuals are often willing to revise their opinions when presented with compelling evidence and reasonable arguments. This is the essence of fostering critical thinking skills in children—not to impose our beliefs on them, but to empower them to evaluate discussions and evidence and develop their own informed perspectives. Opinions should be flexible, not rigid.
The Importance of Substantiation
Professor Mark Thompson at a local university often reminds his philosophy students, “You are not entitled to your opinion; you are entitled only to the opinions you can substantiate.” Arguing your viewpoint means defending it with factual evidence and sound reasoning, rather than merely asserting it loudly.
For instance, if you believe that a child should not be breastfed past a year, you need to back that up with more than just, “That’s what I believe,” or “I know someone whose kid turned out odd after breastfeeding for years.” Anecdotal references don’t hold up. If someone counters with credible scientific studies showing no adverse effects from extended breastfeeding, and you persist in your belief without presenting comparable evidence, you’re merely clinging to an uninformed opinion.
This principle applies even when you preface your statement with “in my opinion.” A recent statement made by a prominent public figure illustrates this. While the individual claimed to express a personal belief, they failed to provide any supporting evidence. Even if the character limit on social media restricts elaboration, one can always follow up with additional posts to clarify their stance.
The Reality of Opinions
Ultimately, just declaring something as your opinion doesn’t make it true. If your viewpoint lacks supporting evidence and contradicts widely accepted information, then it may not hold much value. Are you entitled to a poorly substantiated opinion? Technically, yes. But that doesn’t mean you should expect it to be accepted without scrutiny or that others won’t point out its flaws. This isn’t a personal attack; it’s simply a reflection of reality.
Further Resources
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Conclusion
In summary, while everyone is free to form their own opinions, it’s crucial to recognize that not all opinions carry equal weight. Evidence and reason should guide our beliefs, especially in discussions that extend beyond personal preference.