Distinguish Opinion from Truth (A Learning Competency in Philosophy)

Let us distinguish opinion from truth. But why is it important to distinguish between fact and opinion? To begin with, because the two are, of course, are distinct from each other, but the difference is blurred to some. So, what is the difference between truth and opinion?

For Filipino or Tagalog discussions on this topic, read Nakikilala ang pagkakaiba ng katotohanan sa opinyon and Karanasan na nagpapakita ng pagkakaiba ng katotohanan sa opinyon lamang

Some have too much trust in their self-found ‘knowledge’ that they disregard what others say about a certain topic. This is dangerous since one’s self-found ‘knowledge’ may represent only a partial and subjective point of view.

Relying on partial point of view is indeed dangerous as explained in: Distinguish a Holistic Perspective from a Partial Point of View (Holism vs Partial Perspective)

Distinguish opinion from truth

In the same manner, we also ought to be vigilant against believing that what we believe as true is actually the absolute truth, for our respective ‘knowledge’ may be none less than mere opinion and not the truth. (Related: Evaluate truth from opinions in different situations using the methods of philosophizing)

So what is the difference between opinion and truth?

What people regard as true may not necessarily be the absolute truth. Naturally involving persistent asking, doubting, and inquiry, philosophy helps to distinguish true, objective knowledge from subjective opinion. (Read: Realize that the methods of philosophy lead to wisdom and truth)

Indeed, there is a need to differentiate the two, for problems arise from stubborn clinging to opinions, like many long held beliefs, without philosophically evaluating them.

In his lecture, Filipino explains the difference between opinion and truth in philosophy using the topics “Doxa vs Episteme” and “Statement of fact vs. statement of opinion”

Distinguish Opinion from Truth in Philosophy: Doxa and episteme

Professor Jensen DG. Mañebog explains that doxa may refer to common belief and popular opinion, whereas episteme is interpreted as more of a justified, true belief.

Fundamentally, doxa means belief; the belief held by a person (or a certain group of people) about a certain matter. Having dokein (seeming) as its root word, doxa expresses how something appears to someone.

For example, an event A appears to person B. When based on that appearance, B issues judgment (doxazein) that A is so and so, he (B) creates a doxa. In this example, it is clear that the term doxa is also understood as opinion.

Doxa, therefore, is denotatively and practically different from, and does not necessarily mean, episteme, a Greek term that is usually translated as true knowledge.

Truth (or episteme) deals with less relative and less subjective views and reflects objective observations. Statements that have been long written in the Bible which were later confirmed by science (e.g. that the earth is round or spherical) are good examples of episteme or truth as they are observational, empirical, and provable.

For more examples of biblical statements confirmed by science, you may read: ‘They have been long written in the Bible’. Also read: Is science the only valid road to knowledge?

For detailed discussion on “Doxa vs episteme,” read: Doxa and Episteme: A Lesson in Holding a Sound Belief

Distinguish Opinion from Truth: Statement of fact vs. Statement of Opinion

Prof. Mañebog explains that a statement of fact possesses objective content and is well-supported by the available evidence. On the other hand, a statement of opinion is one whose content is either subjective or not well supported by the available evidence.

He further clarifies that a fact is a statement that is true and can be verified or proved objectively. No matter what, a fact is true and correct. In philosophy, the phrase “state of affairs” (German: Sachverhalt), also known as a situation, is a manner the actual world must be in order to make a given proposition about the actual world true. A state of affairs (situation) is a “truth-maker,” while a (true) proposition is a “truth-bearer.”

He then distinguishes opinion, explaining that it is a statement that holds a touch of belief, usually telling how a person feels. Opinions are not always true and some cannot be proven.

Prof. Mañebog nevertheless admits that though some opinions can only be emotional outbursts or merely interpretations, some opinions are more thoughtful, more informed, more coherent, and more important than others.

More discussions on the definition of truth in philosophy can be read here: Truth, Validity, and Soundness: Important Concepts in Logic and Correct Reasoning

Distinguishing opinion from truth

The following table can be used to distinguish opinion from truth (or fact):

BASIS FOR COMPARISON	FACT	OPINION
Meaning	Fact refers to something that can be verified or proved to be true.	Opinion refers to a judgement or belief about something.
Based on	Observation, research, or other admissible source or authority.	Assumption or personal view.
What is it?	Objective reality	Subjective or relative statement
Verification	Possible	Not probable
Represents	Something really happened	A perception about something
Change	Universal	Differs from person to person or culture to culture
Words	Shown with unbiased words.	Expressed with biased words.
Debatable	No	Yes
Influence	Naturally has the power to influence others.	Does not have ‘real’ power to influence others.

*Free lecture for the next lesson (Philo of Man MELC): Realize that the methods of philosophy lead to wisdom and truth

*Look for other topics in Philosophy or other subjects (Tagalog or English) here:

Note: Teachers may share this as a reading assignment of their students. For other free lectures like this (especially for students), visit Homepage: Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

*Free lectures on the subject Pambungad sa Pilosopiya ng Tao

Philosophy of Man Articles:

Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic perspective

Realize the Value of Doing Philosophy in Obtaining a Broad Perspective on Life

Distinguish a Holistic Perspective from a Partial Point of View (Holism vs Partial Perspective)

The Blind Men and the Elephant: Attaining a Holistic Perspective

Mga Libreng Lektura para sa Pambungad sa Pilosopiya ng Tao:

Nakikilala ang pagkakaiba ng katotohanan sa opinyon

Karanasan na nagpapakita ng pagkakaiba ng katotohanan sa opinyon lamang

Ang Pagkakaiba ng Pangkabuuang Pananaw at Pananaw ng mga Bahagi Lamang

Ang Halaga ng Pamimilosopiya sa Pagkakaroon ng Malawakang pananaw

Pagmumuni-muni sa Suliranin sa Pilosopikong Paraan at Pamimilosopiya sa Buhay