It’s become increasingly common in online discussions for someone to express an opinion, only to be met with well-researched evidence that counters their claim. The typical response? “I’m entitled to my opinion.” But in reality, that’s not how the conversation should go.
You are certainly entitled to your opinions about personal preferences, such as whether you enjoy chocolate ice cream more than vanilla, or whether you prefer the beach over the mountains. In these cases, your tastes are valid and subjective.
However, when it comes to opinions that contradict established facts, logic, and evidence, you cannot simply claim entitlement without facing scrutiny. You might have the right to express your view, but it doesn’t shield you from being challenged or having your opinions questioned. Just because you label something as “your opinion” doesn’t mean it holds equal weight to informed arguments.
Not All Opinions Are Equal
Not all opinions are equal. An opinion backed by solid reasoning and evidence is far more credible than one that lacks support. For instance, while nobody can dispute your fondness for chocolate, if you assert that breastfeeding beyond a year is harmful without any substantial evidence, you face the risk of being labeled as uninformed.
In such instances, you have two options: acknowledge that your opinion contradicts reality or adjust your stance based on factual information. Alternatively, you might create “alternate facts” to rationalize your viewpoint, but that’s not a productive route to take.
Reasonable individuals revise their opinions when faced with convincing evidence or logical reasoning. This is the goal of teaching critical thinking — to empower individuals to weigh arguments and evidence and develop informed opinions rather than clinging to outdated beliefs.
Supporting Your Opinion
As Professor Jane Thompson of University College often reminds her philosophy students, “You aren’t entitled to your opinion; you’re entitled only to what you can substantiate with a logical argument.” This means supporting your opinion with credible evidence rather than just asserting it louder than others.
For example, if you believe that children shouldn’t be breastfed past a year, you need more than personal anecdotes to back it up. Without solid evidence, your opinion is merely uninformed. If credible studies show no negative consequences of extended breastfeeding and you continue to argue otherwise, you risk being seen as willfully ignorant.
The Role of Credibility
This principle applies across various platforms, even on social media. Claims made without adequate justification lack credibility. It’s crucial to understand that just because you state something as your opinion doesn’t make it true. Reliable journalism emphasizes the importance of vetted sources, ensuring that opinions presented are well-supported.
If your opinion lacks a sound argument and contradicts the majority of available evidence, it’s essential to recognize that your perspective may not hold merit. While you can choose to hold onto that perspective, you should expect it to be challenged, especially when it’s based on misinformation or illogical reasoning.
Conclusion
In summary, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but those opinions must be informed and substantiated if they are to be taken seriously. Engaging in informed discussions is vital for meaningful conversations.
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