Evaluate truth from opinions in different situations using the methods of philosophizing

People must learn to evaluate truth from opinions in different situations using the methods of philosophizing. We must remember that opinions can lead us to the truth inasmuch as they can cause us to have mistaken beliefs.

Thus, philosophy warns us to accept an opinion without examining its truthfulness or reliability. Truth is, being philosophical requires evaluating opinions using the methods of philosophizing. (Read: Realize that the methods of philosophy lead to wisdom and truth)

How to evaluate truth from opinions in different situations using the methods of philosophizing

To evaluate opinions, we must ask philosophical or reflective questions to examine some factors. According to the lecture of Philosophy professor and book author Jensen DG. Mañebog, the following are the factors that need evaluation to distinguish or evaluate truth from opinions:

1. Source and authority

Who is the source of the information? What are her qualifications, background, or reputation? Is she an authority in the issue? What is the source of the claim? Is the source reliable?

2. Reliability and relevance

How reliable is the person making the claim? How long has he or she spent studying the issue? How wide is his/her experience concerning the subject matter? Does the claim contain unsubstantiated generalizations? Are the premises provided really relevant to the conclusion?

3. Purpose and context

What is the main and corollary purpose of the author or source? Who are the intended readers or audiences? Is the message intended to convince or persuade, or is it a plain propaganda? What is the context in stating the opinion?

Read: Reasoning and Debate: A Handbook and a Textbook 

4. Bias and preconception

Is the one giving a stance biased towards or against the issue? Does she exhibit partiality, preference, or prejudice for or against an issue? Is the language used emotional or inflammatory? Are proofs offered or the basis is a mere preconceived idea?

5. Assumption and hasty generalization

Does the source make effort to prove or substantiate the opinion? Are there authentic documents provided? Does the information represent just a single opinion or a range of various pertinent opinions? Are there sufficient pieces of evidence for the conclusion? Are all of the significant variables considered?

Notice that the methods of philosophy are good tools to put opinions under scrutiny and refinement. To evaluate opinions, what could be a rule of thumb is to determine whether there is a good reasoning and evidence for the viewpoint stated.

*Free lecture for next lesson (Philo Of Man MELC): Recognize how the human body imposes limits and possibilities for transcendence

If you want to look for other topics in Intro to Philo of Man (e.g. transcendence, etc), search here:

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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

*Also available: Free lectures on the subject Pambungad sa Pilosopiya ng Tao

Read also: Reasoning and Debate: A Handbook and a Textbook by Jensen DG. Mañebog

Free Lectures for MELCs of Intro to the Philosophy of the Human Person subject:

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

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

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

Distinguish Opinion from Truth

Realize that the methods of philosophy lead to wisdom and truth

Evaluate truth from opinions in different situations using the methods of philosophizing

Recognize how the human body imposes limits and possibilities for transcendence

Related Article/s:

The Blind Men and the Elephant: Attaining a Holistic Perspective

Methods in Philosophy:

Socratic Method: The Elenchus

Methodic Doubt: The Cartesian Method of Philosophy

Phenomenology Study: The Phenomenological Inquiry and the ‘Lived Experience’

Dialectic: The Hegelian Method

Immanuel Kant Philosophy: Critical Method/Transcendental Idealism

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

Also read: From Socrates to Mill: An Analysis of Prominent Ethical Theories