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.
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